RUSKIN, John (1819-1900). Author, artist & social reformer.
Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed lady ('My Dear Madam'), 2½ pages 8vo, no place, undated. An evidently fairly early letter, expressing his pleasure that she had been satisfied with 'Mr Cousins efforts'
Ruskin praises the work of Samuel Cousins (1801-1887), mezzotint engraver, whose work included important portraits after Reynolds, Lawrence, Beechey, Chalon and others.

'... I ought before now to have expressed to you the pleasure I felt on hearing from my Father that you were satisfied with the results of Mr Cousins efforts. I feel assured - on looking at the plate - that he has spared no pains, not merely, as is usually the case with engravers - because they calculate on the interest likely to excited by the portrait of men of note - and therefore do their best for their own sake - but also because he felt and liked his subject in itself - and enjoyed the dwelling upon it. It is one of those portraits which - even to those like myself who are unacquainted with the original - have an internal evidence of fidelity - a vitality that can result from resemblance only - and- putting the question of likeness aside - the countenance is one whose intellectual beauty must appeal instantly to the highest feelings of every spectator ...'

It is unfortunate that the letter is not dated and bears little evidence, other than being in Ruskin's earlier hand, of the date of writing. It is quite possible, to judge by the tone of the letter, that Ruskin is writing to the subject of the original painting from which the engraving was made.
[No: 20016]