CollectionVictorian Additional Papers
ReferenceVIC/ADD/A/10/85/261
Record TypeCorrespondence
TitleMemorandum by Gerolamo Brioschi, photographer in Milan, explaining why he had to photograph Raphael's Madonna and Child in four parts, and describing other difficulties presented by the painting;
Date26 May 1858
WriterBrioschi, Gerolamo; photographer
AddresseeBecker, Ernest, Dr; Librarian to the Prince Consort
DescriptionBrioschi explains that the painting had to be photographed in four parts because of its form, with four different levels, and its gilding, which causes unequal reflections. The photography was also difficult because of the crackled surface of the paint and the warping of the wood, which means that the painting on the front, when the 'anconetta' is closed, is not flat.
The vivid colouring, the precision of the details and the perspective effects are also lost in the photographic copy. Brioschi adds a postscript to the effect that the owner of the painting, Don Guido Fumagalli, is willing to sell it for 36,000 francs. A note dated 15 June 1858 in Becker's hand on the letter records that Brioschi has been asked to send his account.
Place Of WritingMilan
NotesLoose transcript inserted.
LanguageItalian
Extent1 document (2 pages)
Physical DescriptionLoose manuscript paper; mounted
Access ConditionsAvailable in surrogate form only
Digitisation NotesThese papers are available online within 'Prince Albert: His Life and Legacy'
LevelItem
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