Gregori, Fannie, Cormons, Austria to James F. Edwards, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1896 November 13

It is very hard to find time to write as she has to be constantly with her charge. She was glad to hear that the pictures arrived safely and pleased Sister Aloysius. It was agreed that Luigi Gregori would paint the six for $200 but as the sixth is unfinished she leaves it up to Edwards to do the best he can for her. She must divide the money with her two brothers who are both in need. She would be better satisfied if the Nativity remained at Notre Dame, where so much of Gregori's work is collected. Gregori's habits were always very regular, he was always quiet and never cared for honors or public praise. He was always ready to assist those in need. Nothing gave him any pleasure except art. He was free from jealousy and the first to recognize superiority. Enclosed note: Gregori was born in Bologna, July 8, 1819. At the age of 14 he began the study of art under Frulli. At 19 he went to Rome and Florence to study the old masters. In Rome Prince Piquatelli of Monte Leone took him under his protection. Gregori's works were nearly all sent to foreign countries among which was the portrait of one of the Princesses of Holland. In 1856 he took part on the concours of Bologna for which he painted Herod and Herodia rebuked by St. John. Another notable painting also in Bologna is that of Cleopatra. Gregori was a great imitator of the antique. He worked a great deal in the Vatican for Mgr. De Merode. He painted a portrait of Pius IX from life. In 1874 he went to America. In 1891 he returned to Italy where he painted the Discovery of America now in Chicago. :: XI-1-n A.L.S. 6pp.