MILLAIS (Sir John Everett, 1829-1896, Pre-Raphaelite Painter)

Fine autograph letter signed to 'Dear Gilbert', saying that he doesn't "know whether you are Sir or not but I address you as you must be immediately. Now I want you to be a good fellow and be a steward to the Artist's General Benevolent Institution for our dinner 18 May, Lord Lorne in the Chair. I am Hony Secy & must do all I can for the Society so you must not write me down a bore. My time is much taken up in the work but I take it as a duty and I hope you will regard this office of steward in the same light. You will not be asked to do it again, only once in a life and such a hardship. Hoping you are all right again ...", 3 sides sm. 8vo., with engraved portrait, 7 Cromwell Place headed paper, 26th February traces of mounting on the verse

Possibly addressed to Sir John Gilbert RA (1817-1897) English artist, illustrator and engraver.
Millais's friendship with Ruskin had introduced him to Ruskin's wife Effie. Soon after they met she modelled for his painting The Order of Release. As Millais painted Effie they fell in love. Despite having been married to Ruskin for several years, Effie was still a virgin. Her parents realised something was wrong and she filed for an annulment. In 1855, after her marriage to Ruskin was annulled, Effie and John Millais married.

Item Date:  1872

Stock No:  36814      £225

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