Letter from David Wilkie, London, to Sir George Beaumont, 1823 January 12 : autograph manuscript signed.

Concerning Sir George's acquisition of the Michelangelo bas relief [Taddei tondo]; congratulating him on his "important acquisition" and saying "Such masterpieces as these encrease the inducements to visit Rome when so many works of these great Masters still remain that never can be removed - Your determination to return to Italy shows your high enthusiasm in the art and the great attractions of that country. We that have not been there have been taught to regard it as a land of promise flowing, if not with milk and honey at least with every higher excellence for the mind of the artist and untill it can be visited it is impossible the experience of an artist can be complete;" expressing his desire to visit Italy one day; saying how much he appreciates Wilson's Italian landscapes; adding that he is doing little painting and has nothing to send to the Gallery; saying "My chief employment now is in painting one for the R. Academy but it is not of great consequence. My subject of Knox preaching must be delayed - this I have made an oil sketch of and have a great relish for the style of subject;" sending his regards to Lady Beaumont; adding, in a postscript, "The Blind Fiddler is in perfect safety and now and then seen with interest by my visitors."