Page:Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1904).djvu/35

 Generally speaking, I hold it a dangerous experiment to alter a first conception; the charm, the quality of colour, and the inspiration are so apt to be lost.19

Other works, both in oil and water-colour, were about the studio. One of them that attracted my attention very much was the touching picture, Beata Beatrix,20 which was presented to the National Gallery by Lady Mount Temple 21 after the death of Rossetti. I afterwards learnt from my friend Howell that the face of Beatrice was painted from Mrs. Rossetti, who had died some time in the previous year.22

There was yet another of his works that incited my interest. He called it The Loving Cup,23 Rossetti wanted a replica made in water-colours, and it was on this that he wished me to make my first essay.

Although I was in considerable doubt as to whether I could do it or not—his water-colour work was so different in method of execution to anything I had yet seen—I was delighted with the opportunity afforded me, and said that I would try, so arrangements were made there and then for me to come and make a beginning. The beginning, I am happy to say, came to a good ending. Rossetti liked my replica so well, that when it was completed he set me to work upon something else.