(d. 1789)
- 1753 - 63 Capua (1 Jun. 1753), Naples, Rome ( - 1760 - 3)
Although his name is variously written, it appears that Daniel Crespin spent a number of years in Italy, where he acquired the reputation of a respected connoisseur. Daniel Crespin was first listed in Italy at Capua on 1 June 1753.1 In 1760 - 1 he was lodging in the Strada Gregoriana in Rome with 'Pietro Stiner',2 doubtless the Peter 'Governor' Stephens with whom Crespin was mentioned at Rome in 1762 - 3 (see Stephens), and in July 1760 Benjamin West met Cardinal Albani in the house of 'Mr Crispigne', 'an English gentleman who had long resided at Rome'.3 Crespin was well informed about James Grant of Castle Grant's collecting in Italy, and when the latter returned home in 1760 he remained an important contact in Rome.4 Nathaniel Dance wrote that 'he brings every gentleman who comes here to see me and recommends me to them in the strongest manner'.5 In 1763 Lord Tavistock, writing to an inexperienced traveller, described Crespin and Gavin Hamilton as 'persons to get acquainted with in Rome'.6 James Martin called on him in Rome on 19 December 1763.7
While in Italy in 1761 Jacob Houblon had begun a correspondence (in Italian) with a 'Mr Crespiny'.8 In October 1762 James Adam consulted his 'friend' Crispin about a Levant expedition, and he was a 'worthy friend' to John Strange and John Dick.9 In London in 1771 Mrs Delany was shown paintings by Benjamin West and Angelica Kauffman 'by Mr Crispin, who I like extremely';10 Crespin had been an admirer of the 'little German Paintress' ever since her arrival in Rome age 19. In his will Daniel Crespin ('once of London, merchant') left 'the Cattle Piece painted in Rome by Londonio and also the Comick Muse painted by Angelica Kauffman' to Harriet Bowdler.(11)
1. ASN cra 1257. 2. AVR SA, S.Andrea delle Fratte, 1760, 1761. 3. Galt, West, 1:102. 4. W. Fraser, Chiefs of Grant, 2:432, 534, 536. Seafield MSS, GD 248/49/2 (Crespin, 11 Mar. 1763). 5. Dance letters MSS (2 Nov. and 17 Dec. 1760). 6. Houblon Family, 2:79. 7. Martin jnl.MSS. 8. J.H. Whiffen, Historical Memoirs of the House of Russell, 2:537. 9. Fleming Adam, 377. Eg.1969, f.282 (Dick, 22 Dec. 1777). 10. Delany, Life and Corr., 2nd ser., 1:329. 11. Will of Daniel Crespin, 3 Jan. 1789, proved 26 Jun. 1789; Somerset Ho.