Prince Albert's Personal Papers
Papers relating to Prince Albert’s personal life and enthusiasms
RULAND, CHARLES
Copy letter from Charles Ruland to Monsieur Grillet at Naples, asking whether he will be able to photograph paintings and drawings by Raphael for the Prince Consort, and sending a list of them.
3 May 1860Loose manuscript paper; mounted | 1 document (4 pages) (whole object) | RA VIC/ADDA10/85/294
Ruland states that last year the British Ambassador at Naples, Mr Elliot, told M. Grillet of the Prince's desire to obtain photographs of some paintings and drawings by Raphael in Naples, but Grillet had problems in carrying out this commission because of the darkness of the pictures, cracks in the varnish etc.
Although Grillet was subsequently given details of the method used by photographers in London to overcome these problems, nothing further has been heard from him. Ruland therefore asks whether and when Grillet will be able to do the work, and sends him a list of the paintings and drawings of which the Prince wishes reproductions.
(List)
From the Royal Museum, Naples: Virgin and Child with saints, painted for the Convent of St Antony of Padua at Perugia, and its lunette of God the Father blessing the world; the Madonna of the Cat; portrait of Cardinal Passerino; Raphael's mother; portrait of a young man (called portrait of Cavaliere Tibaldeo); Moses before the burning bush (chalk cartoon); a Holy Family (chalk cartoon); the Saviour placed in the tomb (drawing).
From the Convent of Monte Cassino: self portrait drawing by Raphael
From private individuals: St Catherine (property of Marchese Letizia); portrait of Jacopo Sannazzaro, 1516 (property of Cavaliere Carmine Lancelloti); drawing of a descent from the Cross (property of Don Ciccio di Lucca).
Ruland adds that he has recently learned that there are several more original drawings or cartoons by Raphael in the Royal Museum, which he would ask Grillet to photograph too, if this report were accurate. He asks Grillet for a quick response.
Creator(s)
Ruland, Charles (writer) [3 May 1860]
Grillet, - , M. (addressee)
1 document (4 pages) (whole object)