18 NOVEMBER 1922, Page 14

" GOYA AS PORTRAIT PAINTER."

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—After reading the admirable notice in your Supplement of November 11th of Gaya as Portrait Painter, I think it may be only fair to the distinguished Spanish critic and author, and to myself as editor and translator of this work, to call attention to the following facts. This work, being the first of a series of three volumes, which include the art of Goya as decorative artist and engraver, was placed in my hands when in Spain some years ago by the late Senor A. de Beruete, then director of the Prado Museum, and I was able to carry out his wishes in finding him a publisher for the English edition.

For some unaccountable reason the publisher, after proofs passed, omitted the words " Translated by Selwyn Brinton, M.A.," from the title-page, a matter which, at my request, he has since put right and issued a fresh title-page in the original and proper form. I only mention this because, to one who did not know the circumstances, the impression given in your excellent notice might be of a single volume issued in English, and not of a translation from the Spanish of the first of a series of three volumes by the late Director of the Prado. I will ask your courtesy to put this matter as above stated before your readers, and oblige.—I am, Sir, &c., Stanbridge House, Southwick, Sussex.

SELWYN BRINTON.