Documents associated with: Wortley, Archibald J. Stuart-
Record 17 of 31
System Number: 05020
Date: [1/4 April 1892][1]
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: Francis Gerard Prange[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler P660
Document Type: ALd
21, CHEYNE WALK,CHELSEA.
33. Rue de Tournon -
Paris -
You see, cher Directeur, that although your most amiable letter has found me, I am rather out of reach for the salt on the tail of the Butterfly! - It is true however that you & Archie[3] have the long arm of the bon camarade - and that for you two one might cast an eye over the shoulder, even though one had turned ones back and shaken the dust off one's wings![4] - Otherwise mind you there is no great reason for my losing either energy or time - energy - well I can see you both smile - say then time - in further battling on the banks of "your river" - when here all is peace and joy and honour and recognition [p. 2] - and respect - Why then should I trouble further more with a people among whom I have lived for years without any thing like response to whatever advances I have made them - whose only acknowledgement of achievement has been envious insult or cold disbelief! - My stay in their midst had at last partaken almost of the ungracious character of the one who remains because he refuses to be beaten - But effort of this kind is no longer called for - it was always alien to my true disposition which is charming and southern and lazy and bon enfant - so that I resent the past continued effort call made upon my endurance - and, now that I have won, see no reason why and can leave the market place in triumph, I see no reason cause why I should yet again occupy myself with its customs & its interests - When I can find again the sunniness of my nature among those who know that meet with courtesy the courtesy of the Artist who shows them his work offers them a great courtesy -
Nevertheless it shall never be said that I have forgotten the good fellowship of the few - and if you & Archie and Shannon[5] think that you would like me to be with you, you may count upon me - and I You can read them my letter and give them my best friendships -
Always Toujours cher Directeur, a vous
JW—
[continued in left margin:] those who are delighted eager to welcome the one whom their country has been delighted to honour! cover with distinction -
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Notes:
1. 1/4 April 1892]
Dated from F. G. Prange's reply on 5 April 1892, #05021.
2. Francis Gerard Prange
Francis Gerard Prange (b. ca 1843), London art dealer [more].
3. Archie
Archibald James Stuart-Wortley (1849-1905), painter, first President of the Society of Portrait Painters [more]. JW had exhibited with the Society of Portrait Painters.
4. shaken the dust off one's wings!
Biblical. JW was echoing Matthew 10.14, 'And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.'
5. Shannon
James Jebusa Shannon (1862-1923), genre and portrait painter [more].