Correspondence between Abraham Hume and Giovanni Maria Sasso, Giovanni Antonio Armano and others

This material is held atNational Gallery Research Centre

  • Reference
    • GB 345 NGA8/1
  • Former Reference
    • GB 345 NG43/1-162
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1787-1805
  • Language of Material
    • Italian
  • Physical Description
    • 162 letters

Scope and Content

Sasso, Armano and a few other Italian agents such as Abbate Tata, corresponded with Abraham Hume about potential works of art for his collection, in particular regarding works by Italian but also some Dutch, Flemish and Spanish artists. The letters written in 1787 are addressed to Abraham Hume c/o Mr. Jenkins in Rome. The rest were sent to addresses in England. Some letters include descriptions, prices and locations or current owners of individual works which were offered to Hume but not necessarily acquired. There are descriptions, details of transactions and details of transport arrangements for those works he did acquire for his collection. The letters also contain references to natural history specimines, mainly minerals, which Hume also collected.

The letters are in Italian however English summaries exist for about half the letters. Abraham Hume's letters to both men are copy letters. There are a few letters from other dealers.

Arrangement

Chronological order

Access Information

Open

Related Material

Handrwitten and typed summaries of some of the letters are available in NGA8/3/1-2. Italian transcripts of the letters from Sasso to Hume can be found in NGA8/3/3