Description:

Disraeli Benjamin

Benjamin Disraeli ALS to Symbolist Painter G.F. Watts

 

4pp ALS on embossed "Grosvenor Gate" letterhead inscribed overall and signed by former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) as "B. Disraeli" on fourth page. Cream watermarked bifold stationery. Expected light paper folds and minor adhesive residue along left edge of first page, else near fine. Each page measures 4.375" x 7."

 

On July 5, 1871, from his London residence at Grosvenor Gate, then Leader of the Opposition Disraeli penned this note to Symbolist painter George Frederic Watts (1817-1904). Addressed to "G.F. Watts Esqr, R.A.," where "R.A." was an honorific given to inductees of the Royal Academy of Arts.

 

"Dear Sir,

 

Our charming friend Lady Shirlie (?), told me, some little time back, that you were so kind as to say, that Lady Beaconsfield + myself might have the honor + gratification of paying a visit to yourself + to your studio.

 

The pressure of public business has been so great, that I have been quite unable to avail myself of this permission, nor is the promise of relief so evident, as I could wish.

 

I venture to trouble you, therefore, with this 'line' to explain, why I have been prevented from personally assuring you, how sincerely I am

 

Your oblige servant, + admirer,

 

B. Disraeli".

 

Disraeli was in between terms as Prime Minister in 1871; he would assume the mantle from Liberal politician and arch rival William E. Gladstone (1809-1898) in 1874. A major influencer of Victorian politics, Disraeli alluded to his exhausting work load when he wrote about the "pressure of public business…" Benjamin Disraeli lived at 1, Grosvenor Gate at the intersection of Park Lane and Upper Grosvenor Street, London between circa 1839-1872.

 

Mary Anne Disraeli, Viscountess of Beaconsfield (1792-1872) married second husband Benjamin Disraeli in 1839. She had accepted Queen Victoria's bestowal of the noble title of Beaconsfield in lieu of her husband, who wished to remain in the House of Commons.

 

George Frederic Watts was a classically trained painter and sculptor whose work exemplified the emerging Symbolist movement. He is best known for his allegorical paintings of Hope, Love and Life. Watts's studio in Surrey can still be visited today.

 

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