Buchanan, William: Memoirs of painting: with a chronological history of the importation of pictures by the great masters into England since the French Revolution (Band 2) (London: Ackermann, 1824)

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MR. BUCHANAN’S IMPORTATIONS.

cisely my ideas, as well as attempt coming to
something more decisive with the proprietors.”
Another capital purchase was concluded by Mr.
Irvine at Genoa, a few days after the date of the
above letter, as the following one will show.
Genoa, Oct. 1, 1802.
“ In my letter of the 25th ult. I mentioned the
different pictures I had in view, and gave you a
list of some that I thought might be objects to
offer a fair price for. On again returning, I did
not find them of so great consequence as to be
put in competition with the other mentioned also
in that letter, and which grew upon me every
time I saw and examined it more attentively. I
found, also, on reading over again your instruc-
tions, that you particularly recommend choosing
works of first class ; and rather to give £800,
£1000, or even more, for one capital picture, than
take two or three for the same price, but of in-
ferior merit, even though they might bring more
money at a sale. Reflecting attentively on these
directions, I determined to risk something for so
capital a piece, and went to the country to find
the priest and try what could be done. After
some conversation and promises of recompense, I
offered 25,000 livres of Genoa (the price asked
was above 43,000); but he told me it was needless