Conley

FLAXMAN (JOHN) 1755-1826. Sculptor & Draughtsmen, desirner for Wedgwood. Copy letter to Mr. Romney, 2 pp. 4to. Rome, Sept. 12,1792, has sent a large case of "plaister casts" from Leghorn, have spent several months collecting them, had some specially "moulded from the antique", "the Cream of the finest things in Rome as far as the money would go...", Loocoon & his Sons, Apollo Belvidere... Castor & Pollux... Cupid Psyche... Bas Relief on the Burgher vase... all the best fragments of legs & arms..." etc. with the costs, asks to be informed of arrival or to tell his sister who will let him know, if anything is broken, "pray let my father mend them, or...mould any of the smaller articles", is finishing a "Great Group in Marble" for Lord Bristol "a model for the restoration of the Torso Belvidere" in the evenings "a series of drawings from Homer & Dante" sends his "Duty to my father & mother, will see them next summer, gratitude for all Romney's kindness, Compts to Mr. Long.

(Flaxman was encouraged early in his career by the painter Romney. From 1775 onwards Flaxman was regularly employed by the Wedgwood's and also during this time designed several monuments for churches; among his friends were Stothard & Blake. In 1787 he and his wife went to Italy, staying for 7 years, he executed many copies of antique works, i.e. the Borghese Vase, 'Cephalus & Aurora' for Fred. Hervey, Earl of Bristol "The Fury of Athamas'. This patron caused Flaxman a deal of trouble; Mrs. Hare (mother of Francis, Augusts & Julius) commissioned for designs to 'Iliad' & 'Odyssey'. Mr. Hope for Dante, etc. they were engraved by Firoli & 1st copies printed in Italy in 1793, the plates for the 'Odyssey' were lost on the way to England and Blake re-engraved them).