Milan
July 14th 1826.
Dear Sir
I hope this letter will find you safe on British Ground – I spoke, according to your request, to Monsignor Crivelli <1> on the subject of his Zingarella, <2> &, after a great deal of pressing he pronounced the Ultimatum Fifty Louis – The Picture is on Canvass drawn on a piece of board with a gilt frame, & a Box containing the whole, & in this same condition I would advise you to have it sent, properly packed up, by Sea, as the cheapest mode of conveyance, it being I apprehend, somewhat difficult to meet, owing to its bulk, who will take it to England in his Carriage – Should you decide on the purchase I beg you will let me know whether you wish to have it insured – The price of the carriage to Genoa, that of the freight, & insurance you will discharge yourself on the delivery of the Picture – With regard to the original cost (fifty Louis), & what trifle the packing may amount to, I shall draw upon you at the Banker you will point me out – At any rate, should you alter your mind, I shall thank you for a line that I may act consistently with those signore – I beg my best regards to Lady Elisabeth, & Captn Fielding <3> [sic] –
Believe me very faithfully
Geo Fliceri
Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
&c &c &c
31. Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. Art Dealer. [See Doc. No: 01341, and Doc. No: 01600].
2. Correggio’s painting The Madonna Reposing, also known as La Zingarella.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother, and Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.