An illustrated letter by Henry Treffry Dunn with a portrait sketch of Alexa Wilding (c. 1845 - 1884)

Clearly sent at the height of Wilding's popularity as a model amongst the Pre-Raphaelites, the letter reads: 'Dr Rous,/ I have your note of today and will send it to Miss Wilding but it is doubtful if she can come, for at present her engagements are very numerous. I find she is sitting to Millais, Holman Hunt, Martineau and other great genius. I give you a sort of idea of her head but it is very far short of what she is. Please do not spread her picture to any of your friends as I am afraid we shall have less chance than ever of getting her. Excuse this shabby bit of paper but it is all I can find./ I am/ Yours truly/ H Treffry Dunn'