DEPARTURE FROM ROME
Prince Grigori Grigorievich Gagarin
Lot details
Inscribed S. Voyez-vous St. Pierre? G. Non, Je vois la Via del Babuino, watercolour over pencil heightened with white. This drawing accompanied the last letter Gagarin sent to Julia. She received it after she had turned down Gagarins offer of marriage. Gagarin depicts his departure from Rome down the New Appian Way. As the gates of Rome and its hills are left behind, a dialogue passes between Gagarin and the companion he labels as S (perhaps his servant). Asked if he can see St. Peters, Gagarin replies naming the street where Julia lives. She was ever on his mind...