Author: Raphael, Mary F.
Title: [Archive] Five Letters to British Artist & Author, Mary F. Raphael, from Fellow Contemporary Artists
Description: [London], 1897. [9 pp.]. A rare archive of five letters to "yet another woman artist who needs our attention,"* Victorian artist Mary F. Raphael, from renowned Victorian artists and illustrators Reginald Cleaver; George Percy Jacomb-Hood; Henrietta [Rae] Normand; Claude Hayes; and William Quiller Orchardson. Marianna (Mary) Florette Moses Raphael (1861-1942) studied art in her youth, but did not pursue it professionally until her husband, the wealthy Arthur Lewis Raphael, died suddenly in 1891. Widowed at 30, Mary was left to care for their daughter, Gladys, and enrolled at Cooke's Studio on Fitzroy Street. Her talent was recognized shortly after her enrollment, and her works, including "The Wood Nymph" and "Britomart and Amoret" had appeared in galleries throughout the 1890s. (Britomart clearly suggests desire between two women) In the early 1900s, Raphael continued to exhibit, designed cover art for books, became active in the suffrage movement, and was a prolific short story writer. She was also an accomplished novelist, publishing her first, "Phoebe Maroon," in 1914 (*fannycornforth.blogspot.com/2021/02/mary-f-raphael-1861-1942.html). "Mary Raphael began her art studies at Cooke's studio in London, and received instruction and encouragement from well-known artists, including Simeon J. Solomon. She continued her studies in Pans, and her work since shows her determination to strengthen her own style in her highly competent and original works. Her Wood Nymph, an acclaimed Royal Academy exhibit in 1896, shows her talent in painting nude female figures, as well as her real achievement in solving drawing and composition problems. She has shown equal virtuosity' in her portraits of women and children Her portrait of A. E. Woodley Mason will be featured as the frontispiece to his next book." Rinder, Frank "Mary F. Raphael " Art Journal ( 1899): 257- 259. Most, if not all, of the letters are written during the 1890s, early in Raphael's career, and pertain both to social engagements and to professional matters. Contents include: 1. ALS. Reginald Cleaver. March 28th, 1894. 22, Bolton Studios, Redcliffe Road. S.W. 1 pp. Accepting an invitation to join Raphael on April 11th. British cartoonist Reginald Cleaver (1870-1954) was best known for his work for Punch and The Daily Graphic. 2. ALS. George Percy Jacomb-Hood. April 1st, 1894. 26, Tite Street, Chelsea, S.W. 1 pp. Declines an invitation from Raphael. "I have only just returned from 6 months in Italy to find your kind invitation for the 19th. The distance from Chelsea to Regents Park must be my excuse for not having paid my respects to you yet. I thank you for the invitation, but I never go to dances now." Jacomb-Hood (1857 -1929) was a painter and illustrator. He was a founding member of the New English Art Club and Society of Portrait Painters. As an illustrator for The Graphic, he worked overseas on a regular basis. 3. ALS. Henrietta Rae Normand. December 4th, 1897. Auklands, West Norwood. 2 pp. Pertaining to an upcoming exhibit, where Raphael's "The Wood Nymph" (and potentially another work) would be on display. "As the hanging proceeds, I will communicate with you about the portrait & if there should be space, I will call you for it in addition to the other contribution (if you will allow me to make this arrangement). I should not like to hang it badly, but if we are crowded, it might have to go higher than I should like to see it.." Henrietta Rae Normand (1859-1928) was a painter, skilled in classical and literary subjects. The exhibit to which Normand may be referring is the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, an 1897 exhibition of work by female artists. 4. ALS. Claude Hayes. Nov. 17th.(n.d. but ca. 1896). Wiburn Hill, Addleston. 3 pp. Thanking Raphael for payment, and apologizing for being unable to see her, due to a five-day show. "We were indeed sorry to have missed you & really hoped to have made time to come & see you but having a five days' show is rather trying & made hard work of our pleasure .. we dined every night of the five days & went as well to see "Under the red robe"! .. Shall I see your large portrait you speak in the New or R.A.? I wish could had the life of a painter pure & simple (like you for instance) for half my time is employed in catching trains for teaching purposes.." Claude Hayes (1852-1922) was a Dublin-born portrait and landscape painter. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the New Watercolour Society, the New Gallery, and the Royal Institute for Painters in Watercolour. **Letter not dated, but likely around 1896, considering the mention of the stage play "Under the Red Robe. 5. ALS. W.Q. Orchardson. n.d.13 Portland Place. 2 pp. Reply to arrange a time to meet later in the week. "I have just got your note which has followed me to & from the country. I am sorry for the delay but I shall do myself the pleasure of calling on Wednesday between 3 & 4 in the hope that that hour will suit your convenience. Many thanks in your kindness of not forgetting." William Quiller Orchardson (1832-1910) was a Scottish portraitist and painter, distinguished for his depiction of domestic and historical subjects. Harris & Scott: A Gallery of Her Own..Annotated Bibliography of Women in Victorian Painting: 200. Very good collection, folded, edge worn, one tear affecting small portion of text, minor soiling, a few sticker remnants.

Keywords: Women, Autographs & Manuscripts, Britain, , Art, Women, Autographs & Manuscripts, Britain, British artists, Archive


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