Object details
Accession number
ARC.002166
Primary Creator
Henry James
(New York, 1843 - 1916, London)
Full title
Letter to Isabella Stewart Gardner from the Hotel di Siena, Siena
Creation Date
26 June 1892
Object Case
Crawford / Chapman Case
Language
English
Dimensions
17.3 x 22.4 cm (6 13/16 x 8 13/16 in.)
Display Media
Ink on paper
Web Commentary
The black borders of this letter carry a special meaning: Henry James was in mourning for the death of his beloved sister, Alice, who passed away on 6 March 1892. Yet his words to Isabella Stewart Gardner are lighthearted and convivial, sharing the details of his busy social life among mutual friends in Siena: “I came to Italy to hide—but I don’t succeed. Is it, by chance, my glory? . . . At all events it is my curse, & I am bowed down under it.” His ironic tone only partially conceals his pleasure, and he confesses to Gardner that the “spell of Siena is upon me—it suits me to perfection.”
Permanent Gallery Location
Blue Room
Rights and reproductions
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