File:Alfred Gilbert handwritten note re Francis Petrus Paulus--The Studio March 1912.jpg

English: Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934), handwritten testimonial regarding American artist Francis Petrus Paulus (1862-1933); a tipped-in facsimile of the original appears between pages 144 and 145 to accompany a profile of Paulus and his work in the "Studio-Talk" section of The Studio, vol. 55, no. 228, March 1912, pp. 141-145.[1] The article coincided with a joint exhibition held by the two artists at the gallery Le Salon in London.[2]

The note reads:

Assuming the artist to be an individual gifted with the power of expression by the [simple?] process of exhibiting signs, in place of uttering words, it seems superfluous to couple his being with any particular nationality, yet it would be an injustice to his native country to withhold from her a share in the honours of her son, won in foreign lands.

Francis Petrus Paulus, though an American by birth, may claim to be a veritable citizen of the World, for he can discourse most eloquently through his art, without opening his lips. His work, which is suggestive rather than didactic, is yet so replete with [health?] and vigour, that it never fails to instruct, as well as charm, and it is hoped that ere long his name will be added to the distinguished list of artists who[m] England is so proud to welcome from America. [signed] Alfred Gilbert.