Archival Research

Van Dyck


Draft of a letter to Van Dyck from Lord Newcastle (February 1637)

Abstract

Draft of a letter to Van Dyck from William Cavendish the Earl of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, later 1st Duke of Newcastle KG, dated February 1636/7

Place, date
Welbeck Abbey, 2-1637

Archival reference
BL Add MS 70499 f. 218 & 218v
© British Library Board (Add MS 74099 f.218 & 218v)

Transcribed by James Innes-Mulraine

Publication history

Referenced in:

  • Susan J. Barnes, Nora De Poorter, Oliver Millar, Horst Vey Van Dyck: A Complete Catalogue of the Paintings Yale University Press 2003, chronology February 1637

How to cite: Innes-Mulraine, James. “Draft of a letter to Van Dyck from Lord Newcastle.” In Jordaens Van Dyck Panel Paintings Project. Edited by Joost Vander Auwera and Justin Davies.
jordaensvandyck.org/archive/draft-of-a-letter-to-van-dyck-from-lord-newcastle/ (accessed 10 October 2024)

© Jordaens Van Dyck Panel Paintings Project (terms and conditions)

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Folio 218 recto

Noble Sir/

The favors off my freinds, you have so transmitted unto mee, as the longer I looke on them the more I thinke them Nature, & nott Arte. – Itt is nott my Error alone, iff Itt bee a disease Itt Is Epidemicall, for sutch A powre hath your hande on the Eyes of Man-kinde . Nexte the Blessinge off your Companye & Sweetness of Conversation, The Greateste hapiness weare to bee an Argus or all over but one eye So Itt or theye weare Ever fixed Uppon that which Wee Muste Cale yours Whatt wants In Judge-ment I Can  suplye With admiration; Ande scape the title of Ignorante since I since I have the Luck to bee astonish’d & in the righte Place; Ande the hapiness to bee Pationately

 

Your Moste Humble Servant

 

W. Newcastle

 

Welbeck this

Off February

1636

This transcription has no translation


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Folio 218 verso

Verso

A Letter to Sir Anthony Vandyke

This transcription includes translations