On June 16 2021, an edition of Vernon Lee’s 1881 work Belcaro: Being Essays on Sundry Aesthetical Questions appeared in the lots of Christie’s Women in Art auction with an estimate of EUR 1,600 – EUR 2,000.

The copy had been owned by Mary Robinson and includes a beautiful dedication to the owner by Lee written one year and one day after the visit the pair made to the Castello do Belcaro, Siena.

In recollection of the afternoon at Belcaro December 15. 80

With the love and respect of her Vernon Dec 16. 81.

Vernon Lee, Violet Paget dite (Boulogne-sur-Mer 1856–1935 Florence)Belcaro: Being Essays on Sundry Aesthetical Questions. London : W. Satchell, 1881.

The edition surpassed Christie’s estimate, with a private buyer paying EUR 2,750 for the copy.

Further details can be found on Christie’s website here