DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.52801#0110
106
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
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