DLA006-0002  Transcription

The Midways,

Overstrand.

8 August, 1912.

Dear Dr László,

Just before I left London, arrived the charming portrait of my wife [5401] that you painted.^[1] It is indeed a delightful picture, and the possession of it will be a perennial pleasure. With a touch you have got her expression in a way that is difficult to understand how in such a downright

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presentment so subtle a something can be conveyed. This is the secret of your genius, which to me the portrait displays in a striking manner, one I appreciate most fully. But in addition I am most sensible of your kindness, with all the great demands that you have when your time in adding to your labours by this picture. You embarked on this fully aware that it is not in my power to do anything in return for such a distinguished favour – otherwise I would most gladly acquit myself – but all that I can do is to express my most sincere and genuine thanks.

I hope that all will go well in the direction in which your expectations are turning and that there will be some good news before long. What a pity that you are not at Overstrand again to try the fortune of those generous links!

Yours v. sincerely

Rhuvon Guest

Editorial Notes:

Arthur Rhuvon Guest (1869-1946) [5403], the letter’s author, was an Egyptologist with great scholarship who notably worked at the British Museum. An abundant correspondence between the Guests and the de Lászlós shows how close their two families were. Rhuvon Guest helped de László during his internment, acting as a witness of his good character in December 1917, along with Arthur Bowlby. The two men are described in de László’s account as “intimate friends.”^[2]

CC

08/03/2006