Friday, February 10, 2012

Charley to Marlene: Belgium

Belgium
Dec. 1865

Marlene, I hope I do not take liberties to address you so familiarly.  If so I pray you forgive an old man for his quirks.  News of the remarkable discovery made it here to Belgium.  I was summoned from Hong Kong by my dear friend Nicaise de Keyser upon the recent death of the king.  His son (Leo. II) was crowned Sunday last and my services were required.  Although it meant my work in China was cut short, it was most satisfying to visit Nicaise.  He is a noted and most accomplished painter and it was he who first told me of the discovered Antoinette painting.  The Academy here in Antwerp have dispatched a panel of experts to Paris to examine the painting and to attempt to determine its source.  I mentioned briefly with him over dinner last eve, our correspondences and your association with Msr. B.  I tell you – I have known Nicaise for quite some time and have never seen such a look on his face as when I mentioned Msr. B.  I fear you misunderstood my earlier reference to my employ with him.  It was but for a short period when I was much younger with keener senses of observation than I fear I possess today.  In fact I fear my negotiations in China may have been to my disadvantage as I wearied from the work of it.  My daughter urges me to pass the work on to younger men, but it is hard to let it go.  But I digress.  The contingent from Antwerp will include a Lawrence Alma-Tadema.  You might seek him out and hear what he has to say about the painting.  You should mention my acquaintance.  Until anon.
-Charley

22 comments:

  1. Wonderful card, love your lettering. Great story. A xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great card, wonderful letters! Lots of history in your telling. Very well done!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fabulous artwork, and your story telling skills are equally impressive :D I am so enjoying your story :D XXX

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am AMAZED at how much plot you fit on a card! Wonderful art and another great written installment.
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm having fun reading these, Anna. french fries and mayonnaise? really?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gorgeous portrait - he looks very regal.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, Teri... really. It's sold everywhere there, like snow cones in NYC in the summer... or I guess you call it "shaved ice" there! lol! And I'll tell ya, those fries with mayo were pretty wonderful... big fat crinkle fries and the mayo was smooth and creamy and slightly sweet... yum! lol!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great portrait. Intriguing story.
    Jen x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hmmm. the mystery continues. You know, I'm thinking this could be a book in the future, you know, like Nick Bantock's books?

    ReplyDelete
  10. WOW. So much detail that makes it all come to life.

    ReplyDelete
  11. you are an extraordinary writer!!!!!!!!!
    also love your painting!!
    Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a great postcard - love his bushy beard. Wonderful writing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your handwriting is amazing! a work of art in itself! Great card and developing story. M

    ReplyDelete
  14. love it ! it's all coming together with them

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love this so much! So much fun!
    Not to mention the obvious awesome handwriting!
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fabulous story and a magnificent postcard.

    Janet xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love it, love it, love it!!Fabulous writing and a really authentic looking card.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great story and the card is really stunning. Fab job!

    ReplyDelete
  19. such a fabulous detailed story, totally engrossed with it..

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am really enjoying your story. I love the intrigue you are building.

    ReplyDelete
  21. fabulous portrait and the back is so official looking. goes well with the portrait. enjoy how your story is developing

    ReplyDelete