HOLOGRAPHIC LETTER BY THE BRITISH AUTHOR, ART CRITIC, AND HISTORIAN
An 1852 autograph letter signed (ALS) by Lady Elizabeth Eastlake, a British author, art critic, and historian, to her friend, the singer Charlotte Fletcher, to cancel her performance due to a scheduling conflict. Lady Eastlake wrote that her husband, Sir Charles Eastlake, Director of the National Gallery in London, received a summons to “preside at some examination for prizes at the School of Design.”
Born Elizabeth Rigby (1809-93), she assumed the title Lady Eastlake upon marrying Sir Charles Eastlake (1793-1865). Prior to her marriage at the age of 40, she lived in Edinburgh and was part of distinguished literary and social circles. She became a very popular sitter for early photographs, appearing in more than twenty calotypes; one of these is believed to have been the first photograph viewed by Prince Albert. In 1857, she published the groundbreaking article "Photography" in the Quarterly Review, in which she wrote: "It is now more than fifteen years ago that specimens of a new and mysterious art were first exhibited to our wondering gaze...we examined them with the keenest admiration and felt that the spirit of Rembrandt had revived.” However, Eastlake is now best remembered for her scathing review of Jane Eyre, characterizing it as “proof how deeply the love for illegitimate romance is implanted in our nature.”
In this letter to her friend, it’s clear Lady Eastlake is a woman with strongly-held opinions: “I have heard today an excellent account of Ms. Burden – both head and heart – as makes me grudge her some to that [Mr.Gerstone] tho’ not to the children. How can one give up 600 pounds a year and independence for him!”
The four-page letter is dated May 11, 1852 from her home at Fitzroy Square. The single sheet measures 9” x 7” and is folded in half. Item #73788
Price: $200.00