[ Sir Henry Raeburn, Scottish portrait painter. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed and one Autograph Note Signed (all 'Henry Raeburn') to John Cockburn Ross, discussing terms for painting him, and a debt owed to him by Sir Alexander Don for a portrait.

Author: 
Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823), Scottish portrait painter [ John Cockburn Ross; Sir Alexander Don ]
Publication details: 
All from Edinburgh [ Scotland ]. 6 and 29 November 1797, and 7 June 1806.
£750.00
SKU: 16919

The first two are addressed to Ross, 'of Rochester by Greenlaw', and the third to him 'of Shandwick by Parkhill | Rossshire'. Each letter with postmark in red ink. ONE: Letter of 6 November 1797. 3pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. The time ('viz Martinmas') is 'fast approaching' for Raeburn to pay a debt to Cockburn, which he considers 'as a very obliging favour, and will set the proper value on it accordingly': Cockburn has 'not yet got the pictures', and Raeburn explains: 'My price at the time you began to sit was Twenty five guineas for a half length - it is now much raised but that does not affect your pictures'. Postscript reads: 'You pay before hand - if you could but perswade a neighbour of yours Sir Alexr. Don to pay five or six year after, or even be polite enough to speak of or acknowledge the debt you would add much to the obligation I owe you - but that I begin to despare of'. TWO: Letter of 29 November 1797. 1p., 4to. In fair condiition, lightly aged and worn. He has received the order for fifty guineas and is sending a receipt. Ross has been 'kind enough to enquire what Sir Alexr. Ross owes - theh amount is forty guineas - it would have been fifteen more for Lady Harreots picture, but as I never thought hers very like, I never made any charge for it.' THREE: Note of 7 June 1806. 1p., 4to. In poor condition, with damage around the areas of the wafer. He has that day 'seen your pictures all carefully packed and sent off', and is enclosing the bill of lading (not present). Note: Raeburn letters seem to be scarce.