The Sonnet

The following is from the 'Illustrated Biographies of the Great Artists' - "of all Mulready's compositions, The Sonnet displays the finest art; it is one of the most pathetic, elegant, and intense of his designs. A large chalk study for it has been lithographed, and deserves a place with similar works of Raphael, few of which excel it in naivete and grace. This drawing was the only study made for the picture. It was executed in 1839, and is the property of Mr. Miller of Preston. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1845. The lithographer was Mr. John Linnell, jun., and proofs were distributed to the sub-scribers to the exhibition of Mulready's works formed by the Society of Arts in 1848. It is a poem in art."

'Mr. Miller' Probably refers to Thomas Miller of the cotton dynasty of Horrocks, Miller & Co. of Preston, Lancashire. He amassed a collection art from c. 1847 and became a patron of contemporary British artists.