Letter from Leopoldo Alinari to Joseph Kanné explaining the delays and difficulties of his work photographing the works of Raphael in Florence, justifying his charges and asking Kanné to write to the Director of the Uffizi on his behalf.

In reply to a letter from Kanné, Alinari states that he has been able to take only eight of the 13 photogaphs Kanné ordered. This is chiefly because the drawings are extremely difficult to reproduce, sometimes necessitating several attempts before a good negative can be obtained. In addition, the two drawings described as belonging to Signor Benvenuti now belong to the Grand Duchess, whose permission to photograph them he still awaits. And he has been refused permission to photograph Prince Corsini's cartoon of Pope Julius II, so awaits Kanné's return in the hope that he, or a letter from him, will persuade the Prince to consent. He will send his photographs to Mr French, and asks to be paid in Florence. He is sorry his prices are thought too high, but thinks the work involved justifies them; if he receives more commissions from the Prince he will see if he can lower his charges.

With regard to Dr. Becker's message (see VIC/ADDA10/85/253), Alinari would have no problem in photographing all the Raphael drawings [at the Uffizi] on his own account, especially as he has already published a series of 50 drawings from the Gallery, but he doubts that he would be given permission to do so. He asks Kanné to write to the Director seeking permission on his behalf. He will send the duplicates for Kanné to London as requested.

Related Material: For related correspondence, see VIC/ADDA10/85/253.