Letter from Artaria & Co. in Vienna to Dr. Ernst Becker saying that Prince Esterhazy has given permission for his Raphael drawings and paintings to be photographed for the Prince Consort.

Artaria & Co.'s letter begins by acknowledging the receipt of some payments made to them by Dr. Ernst Becker. With regard to the commission given to them in his letter of 11 May (not present), they report that Prince Esterhazy has gladly given permission for the specified paintings and drawings to be photographed for the Prince Consort. They go on to state the price of £1 for a photograph measuring 90 x 63 'French' or 'Paris Lines' (the exact size being indicated by lines drawn down the size of the letter) and six shillings per copy, or three shillings per copy for 12 or more. They assure Dr. Becker that the theft from the Prince's gallery was limited to only a few pictures in store, and did not include the portrait of Francesco Maria della Rovere. This has had some restoration and its attribution to Raphael is somewhat doubtful, but it is nevertheless a very interesting picture. They wish to draw attention to the small Madonna by Raphael which is also in the collection: although incomplete, it bears the unmistakable stamp of the master. Dr. Becker has added a note of his reply on 31 May, to the effect that they are to have the photographs made, the drawings in the original size, or in a specific smaller dimension, 5/6 or 3/4; the pictures in whatever size they think fit, and the negatives are to be sent as well.