L30/14/251/1

From Antonio Raphael/Raffaele Mengs, Madrid to Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham (in Italian):

15 Sep/Oct ? 1775

From: 1775 To: 1775

Translation: Excellency When I had the honour of receiving your very kind letter I was in bed, sick. Only this morning I could get up, so I could not reply promptly to Your Excellency as it was my duty. I do it only now asking you to forgive me for my delay. My present not good health does not permit me to work hard and my strength is not enough to complete the duties of the Royal Service of the King my Master without delay. For this I beg Your Excellency to excuse me if I must tell you that I cannot accept the commission for the painting of the suggested picture for the king of Polland. Furthermore I have already many commissions for pictures, from generous amateurs and I could not finish them in four years. It would not be honest to prefer the latter to the former ones. The weakness of my body does not permit me to live in this too light air. For this reason nothing is more important for me than the possibility of obtaining, from the kindness of the king my master, the permission to move back to Italy, with some help to make me easier to have a little rest, so that my tired and exhausted body recovers some strength. Otherwise in a short time I will be of no use for the others and a nuisance for myself. Your Excellency's kindness towards me permitted me to take the liberty of talking with you about my health, which I wish to improve for being able to offer you myself with much benefit and pleasure to your venerated orders, having the honour of being of Your Excellency very Sincerely and Respectfully Servant Antonio Raffaele Mengs.

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Mengs, Anton Raphael,
Robinson, Thomas (2nd Baron Grantham)

Italy, Madrid, artists