From Isabella Stewart Gardner to Bernard Berenson

July 19, 1896

Dear Berenson,

When comes my Titian, my Rape of Europa? I am feverish about it. Do come over,

just to unpack her and set her up in her new shrine! Do!

August 25

She has come!! Europa has come! She has come! I was just cabling you to ask

what could be the matter, when she arrived, safe and sound. She is now in place.

I have no words! I am too excited to talk.

September 19

Dear Berenson,

I am breathless about the Europa, even yet! I am back here tonight after a two

days' orgy. The orgy was drinking myself drunk with Europa, thinking and

dreaming about her. Mr. Shaw, Mr. Hooper, Dr. Bigelow, and many painters have

dropped before her. Many came with “grave doubts”; many came to scoff; but all

wallowed at her feet. One painter, a general skeptic, couldn't speak for the tears!

all of joy!!!

Sincerely yours,

Isabella S. Gardner