WCP1524

[1]

Royal College of Art,

Department of Science and Art,

London, S.W.

July 28 1899

Dear D^r Wallace,

In reply to your letter — The photograph which you sent bears a strong resemblance in style of execution & general form & scale with certain similar works by a French artist named Justin [illeg.] executed about 1850 or 1851. The subject is very likely the one suggested though the artwork is of a later period, but at that date (1850) these particulars would not be carefully studied as [2] now.

I know of no reproductions of their work though for what I can learn it is highly likely there are others in existence, as their works were produced in a kind of fictile irony & many copies were made.

It is supposed they were intended to resemble an old earrings, & have I believe were offered & sold as such.

Very truly yours | Walter Crane [signature]

No very high value can be set upon such a work if its history is as I have reason to believe.