Incomplete letter from Ludwig Gruner to Charles Ruland concerning an engraving by Raphael discovered by Professor Andreas Müller in the Düsseldorf Academy,

Gruner writes that he spent several hours the previous day in the Düsseldorf Academy carrying out research for the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection, and wishes to report first of all on the engraving by Raphael that Professor Andreas Müller discovered there, about which Ruland might have read in 1859. The subject is that of Marcantonio (Raimondi)'s engraving no. 47, but it relates to that in the same way as a Raphael drawing relates to a Marcantonio engraving after it. Professor Müller has given Gruner a provisional report on it, which is enclosed with this letter (see VIC/ADDA10/85/456).

Müller intends to write a full memoir setting out the art-historical reasons for his opinion. Keller's facsimile of it is not yet ready, and it is not possible to form an opinion on the basis of the photograph. Gruner asks whether the Copy B of the engraving mentioned by Bartsch is in the Collection; if so, Professor Müller would be very interested to see it, and Gruner feels sure that the Prince would allow Ruland to send it to him.

Gruner explains that much of the Academy's collection was formed by the first Director, Lambert Krahe, who acquired works of art from Carlo Maratti's estate; hence the presence of several rare pieces in the collection. Gruner then adds notes on works not mentioned by Bartsch or Passavant:

1. An earlier state engraving than that mentioned in Bartsch XV p.11 no. 6, with 1/2 inch of the plate missing on the left so that the head furthest to the left is only just visible, and only in contour. In the version mentioned by Bartsch the head is completed and the architectural setting continues a little to the left of it.
2. Judgment of Paris. A copy after Marcantonio signed S D.I on the right; on the left inscription 'Sordent praeform' etc; title (which Gruner has forgotten) above. The same size.
3. Facsimile of a drawing showing a man with a club, perhaps Hercules, threatened by a (single-headed) serpent. [Inscription] Raf. Vrno [Urbino] - Hen. Trench Sculp 1717. Measurements 6 3/4 by 6 1/3 inches.

Gruner adds that the Düsseldorf collection contains duplicates of some works, which the Academy may decide to dispose of. Only two of these are missing from the Prince Consort's collection, namely Bonasone 82 and 90, both good prints. He has been given the addresses of antiquarian dealers in Cologne and he will see if they have anything of interest, when the opportunity arises. He is leaving for Darmstadt and Giessen tomorrow, and for Coburg a week later.

The beginning and end of the letter are missing; the date has been written on the letter in blue pencil in another hand. The first paragraph, which has been struck out in the same blue pencil, is irrelevant to the Raphael project and has not been indexed (it concerns an art lottery, presumably in Dresden, which the Prince Consort had supported).

Related Material: For enclosed report, see VIC/ADDA10/85/456.