Documents associated with: Lucas, George Aloysius
Record 78 of 90
System Number: 10868
Date: [25 October 1885][1]
Author: Maud Franklin[2]
Place: [London?]
Recipient: George Aloysius Lucas[3]
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Library of Congress
Call Number: Manuscript Division, Pennell-Whistler Collection, PWC 13/1189/38
Document Type: TLc
Cher Monsieur
On opening & looking at the etching[4] again he came to the conclusion that it would be hardly fair to himself to sign it as he in fact thinks it damnable. He is more sorry than I can tell you to be obliged to refuse you anything but he does not like the thing a bit, and he promised me he would write to you himself & explain why, but I know that he is in one rush and may not find time for a day or two. And so very reluctantly I feel obliged to tell you this myself and return to you the etching as I received it.
I have done my best & failed, I am very very sorry as I fear you will be disappointed.
Accept the enclosed[5] as a slight peace offering -
from yours - With many regrets,
Maud.
We dont remember if you have this etching, if you have we must give you another in its place.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [25 October 1885]
Dated from a note at top of typescript copy which reads: 'Maud to Lucas - Oct. 25th 1885.' This is backed up by the reference in Lucas' diary to his reply to Maud (see below).
2. Maud Franklin
Mary Maud Franklin (1857- ca 1941), JW's model and mistress [more].
3. George Aloysius Lucas
George Aloysius Lucas (1824-1909), art dealer in Paris [more]. Lucas answered Maud's letter a couple of days later on 27 October. See Randall, Lillian, ed., George A. Lucas: An American Art Agent in Paris, 1857-1909, Princeton, 1979, 2 vols, vol. 2, p. 618.
4. etching
Lucas had evidently sent an old etching of JW's to him for signing, but JW did not wish to return it. Lucas owned various etchings by JW; it is not clear which etching is being referred to here.
5. enclosed
Unidentified.