Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 22

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Artists

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 296		Benton, Thomas Hart (1889-1975) Important American artist, muralist and regionalist painter. Teacher of the Abstract Expressionist painter Jackson Pollack. Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, Kansas City, MO, December 12, 1950.To Efrem Kurtz, conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra (1948-1954). Interesting letter concerning his son Thomas Jr., an aspiring flutist. Benton writes: "…Rita and I greatly appreciate your interest in T.P. (young Tom) our flute player. He is now a member of the N.Y. Union and is standing by in New York until he can find some kind of a place. Bill Schuman arranged for him to continue studying at Juillard and he is there now playing with their orchestra and doing other musical works…I am painting and writing…. " Bill Schuman, the American composer, was president of Juillard (1945-62) and a friend of the Bentons. Signed Twice, "Tom," at the close of the letter, and again "Thomas H. Benton" at the bottom of the verso page. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details	Unsold
Lot 297		Bonnat, Léon (1833-1922) French painter. Two items: An Autograph Letter Signed and an Autograph Note Signed ("Bonnat"), both in French and on "Letter-Telegrams" and both postmarked 1894, to art dealer M. Mayer. One notes that he "will take the virgin that has a drawing on the back" and would like to see the other drawings in the same lot. The second says that he will keep the four drawings at the agreed-upon price. Both Fine. Bonnat was noted for religious paintings; he also painted portaits of Victor Hugo, Dumas fils, and others. (2 items). Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $86
Lot 298		A Young Fauvist Gets Exhibited in a Museum. Some age-toning, otherwise fine. (1880-1954) French Post-Impressionist painter; one of the most prolific Fauvists. He met Matisse early in his career and then Vlaminick in 1900, a meeting which many art historians consider the birth of Fauve art. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, in French, on beige stationery, Chatou, France, April 8, 1910. Excited letter from the young artist who has just learned that one of his paintings has been bought for exhibition in a museum: "Dear Sir I have learned that one of my paintings has been bought for a museum. I would be very happy to receive confirmation of this news from you. I hope that it is not just a rumor and that I certainly will have all the pleasures of success. Best regards, A. Derain. 70 Quai des Orfevres 70." . Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details	Unsold
Lot 299		Foujita, Tsuguharu. A few words have been underscored in red pencil; otherwise the letter is in fine condition. With the original envelope addressed in Foujita's hand. Scarce. (1886-1968) Artist, born in Japan, settled in Paris in 1913 where he lived a bohemian lifestyle. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, [Paris], May 31, 1945. To Miss Ida Kar, in London. Interesting letter, written in broken English, concerning the artist's collection of toy dolls ("dolles"). Foujita writes, in part: "…My dolles [sic] I like so much like my own boy or girl, I find the dolles at the shop of Mrs. Andre l'Hote, well-known artist have many such a nice collection. dolles are of 1830 Napoleon III epoque. I haven't the boy or girl then. The dolls are my childrens…My picture is only study of nude, not so important. I study every day with models. That's all. -- Foujita." Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details	Realized $230
Lot 300		French Painters. Lot of seven Autograph Letters Signed by French Painters, all in French, of various sizes, with translations. They include F. Millet, 1894, to the art dealer M.Myer concerning two of Millet's pastels being offered for sale; Maxime Maufra, 1912, asking for advance money for paintings; Gustave Loiseau, 1913, asking for 500 francs; Johann Jongkind, 1851, interesting letter to a potential patron; Georges d'Espagnat, 1900, making arrangements to see a patron and take measurements; two letters by Jean Louis Forain, 1888 and n.d., both regarding a forgery that has appeared in a periodical, which Forain vehemently denounces. Overall Fine. (7 items). Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details	Realized $207
Lot 301		Gibson, Charles Dana. Some age-toning, with a small stain on front cover, and minor chipping at edges of last page. (1867-1944) American illustrator and cartoonist, a brilliant black-and-white artist, he drew society cartoons for such periodicals as Life, Scribner's, and Harpers. In his celebrated "Gibson Girl" drawings, he created an idealized prototype of the fashionable American woman. Printed Menu Signed with Original Drawings. Four pages, recto/verso, [New York, NY], October 17, 1893. Being a signed and profusely illustrated printed menu for a farewell dinner for the famous illustrator held at "The Aldine," in New York on October 17, 1893. With an imprinted illustrated cover featuring a weeping "Gibson Girl" standing on a dock as a ship recedes into the horizon. On the inside cover, Gibson has drawn a small pencil study of a "Gibson Girl," and inscribed it "To Dan from his friend C.D. Gibson," and signed the menu again on the facing page. The menu has also been signed on the inside back cover by about a dozen others, and has four additional original drawings. Among those who have signed are several notable American artists and authors of the day, including Dan Beard, Robert Bridges, Richard Harding Davis, R. W. Gilder, and W.S. Ransford. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details	Realized $144
Lot 302		Gibson, Charles Dana. Creamy age-toning otherwise fine. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, n.p., n.d. Interesting promotional letter for an exhibit of pencil drawings by the popular American illustrator James Montgomery Flagg, the graphic artist who designed the "I Want You!" Uncle Sam recruiting posters for the US Army circa WWII. Gibson writes, in full: "Its an important artistic event when James Montgomery Flagg fills a gallery with his remarkable pencil portraits. They speak for themselves -- Flagg's insight into Character and his brilliant Technique makes this latest display of his gifts a delight. I am glad of the opportunity to congratulate him [ ? ] Brothers and in public. C.D. Gibson" . Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details	Realized $173
Lot 303		Gibson, Charles Dana (1857-1944) Illustrator; creator of "Gibson Girl." Five items: Two Autograph Letters Signed, one Document Signed, one Sentiment Signed (all "C.D. Gibson"), and one photo postcard. A 1927 letter thanks his correspondent for mentioning Gibson in his book; a 1942 letter informs Mr. Jeffers that he is enclosing a signed clipping and thanks him for the assurance that 75 isn't old; an undated personal information sheet for The Art League Publishing Co., to be used in The Artist's Year Book, filled out in Gibson's hand; salutation and signature are on a 4 x 5¾ piece of cut stationery with Gibson's address. All Fine. (5 items). Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 304		Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson Moses) (1860-1961) American painter. Autograph Letter Signed ("Grandma Moses"), September 15 (1947) (Eagle Bridge), 2 pp small octavo. On printed puppy-dog stationery, to Mrs. Rugh London: "have just received the Express receipt, as the agent has been away. Hope you are keeping well through this hot weather, it is nice and cool here this morning. I have not been so well, but feel fine this morning, so sorry that the glass got broaking [sic], as I packed them my self and thought they would ride to Jerryco, Hoping this finds you all well and doing well." Age toning and fold wear, else Fine. Accompanied by original holograph envelope, postmarked "Eagle Bridge / SEP 13 / 3 PM. / 1947." Grandma Moses took up painting in her 70s and gained fame for her primitive paintings, primarily depicting rural scenes of the 19th and 20th centuries. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 305		Lawrence, Sir Thomas (1769-1830) English painter. Famed for his pencil portraits, by the age of 12 he had his own studio in Bath. Patronized by King George III, knighted in 1815, he succeeded Benjamin West as President of the Royal Academy from 1820. Autograph Letter Signed. Five pages, Octavo, recto/verso, on gray bond, London, November 3, 1826. An interesting letter concerning a design for a Royal medal that the artist has been commissioned to execute for the King. Written at the end of his career, when his sight was failing and Lawrence was finding it difficult to work at night, he writes to the well-known lexicographer Peter Roget apologizing for a delay in finishing his design: "My dear Sir, I regret most sincerely that the medal cannot be delivered when the award is announced, but I pledge myself to place the design in your hands… in sufficient time for its receiving the sanction of the King before the 30th….the fact of its having been prepared and presented to His Majesty, will…justify the public award of it by Sir Humphry Davy…." Humphry Davy was the eminent chemist remembered as the discoverer of nitrous oxide. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details	Realized $173
Lot 306		Fascinating Edvard Munch Letter to an Eminent German Psychologist. Minor wear at folds, with two binder holes at left center margin, otherwise fine. Accompanied by original envelope addressed in Munch's hand. An interesting and enigmatic letter. (1863-1944) Painter whose Expressionist style and tortuously curved designs exerted a powerful and influential force on Modern art. Best known for his painting, "The Scream." Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, in German, n.p., n.d. [circa 1934]. To Dr. Ernst Harms in Zurich. Munch writes: "…Enclosed I am sending you a copy of a letter to my niece. This will explain the matter to you. Besides that, I have been working for the past few years on a large monumental painting and naturally I cannot allow this unfinished work to be reproduced. In order to find material in my studio, it will be very difficult and you will understand for the time being it is not possible. If possible I will send you something later on. Will be traveling soon. Sincerely, Edvard Munch." Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. View details	Realized $1,035
Lot 307		Renoir, Pierre-Auguste (1841-1919) French Impressionist painter noted for the harmony of his lines, the brilliance of his color, and the intimacy of his paintings, especially of the female nude. He broke with the Impressionists after the 1870s and committed to a more formal technique. Black and white Photograph Signed ("Renoir"), Cagnes, January 10, 1911. The photo of a young woman reading is on 10¾ x 5½ in. cardstock, mounted to large quarto cardstock. Renoir signed in the white lower border, which also holds a notary's signature and stamp from Cagnes-sur-Mer, in the south of France, where Renoir lived for the last 20 years of his life. The larger cardstock, which would not show if framed, is soiled, but the photo, with Renoir's authenticated signature, is in Fine condition. This photograph was originally part of the archive of Renoir's art dealer, the great Ambrose Vollard. Vollard, in order to avoid any future disputes regarding the authenticity of works by artists he represented, had all the original paintings photographed, then asked the artist to sign each photo. After Vollard's death, his archives, including virtually all of these photographs, went to the Musée d'Orsay. A small number were sold to pay the expenses of the estate. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,760
Lot 308		Sargent, John Singer (1856-1925) American artist. Autograph Letter Signed, London, n.d., 2 pages on letterhead imprinted "31, Tite Street, Chelsea. S.W." Sargent writes on the first page, "Here it is, my dear Duchess, the image of his father. Yours to command John S. Sargent." On the second page, the artist has sketched a comical image of an Elizabethan page boy holding a train. This letter was published in Charles Hamilton's The Illustrated Letter (New York: Universe Books, 1987), page 93. A copy of The Illustrated Letter is included with this lot. Light soiling to first page of letter, else Fine. John Singer Sargent was born in Florence, Italy, the son of expatriate Americans. He grew up in Europe and studied with French portraitist Carolus-Duran and at the École des Beaux-Arts. He painted over 500 portraits, becoming the most admired portrait painter in Britain and the United States. By 1907, he tired of portraits and turned to landscapes, producing more than 1,000 oils and watercolors. He also painted murals for the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Widener Memorial Library at Harvard. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,208
Lot 309		Thos. Sully Paints President Polk's Portrait. Each letter is moderately age-toned, otherwise fine. (1783-1872) American portrait painter. Two Autograph Letters Signed. Lot of Two related Autograph Letters Signed, described as follows: A. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Philadelphia, June 13, 1847. To J.Y.Mason. Businesslike letter concerning a Presidential portrait the artist has been commissioned to execute. He writes: "…I addressed a letter to you at Chapel Hill with particulars concerning the portrait which I am painting of the President and you. It would be well to have them framed here, and I should be glad to learn if that is resolved; and which of the three kinds of Frames which I sent a list of is chosen…" In a postscript Sully relates the costs for each of the three types of frame. The addressee, John Young Mason, had served in President Tyler's cabinet as Secretary of the Navy, and continued on in this position after being reappointed by President Polk. B. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Philadelphia, June 18, 1847. This letter, also to Mason, gives a progress report on the status of Sully's Presidential portrait: "…I have finished the portraits of the President and Secretary Mason; and shall forward them to Chapel Hill next Monday. I would be much gratified to be enabled to address each portrait to the proper Society; and to know the best route for their conveyance to Chapel Hill. They will be sent without frames, as none were ordered. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant Thos Sully." With a three line holograph postscript mentioning travel plans, initialed "TS." On the verso of this second letter, its recipient Secretary Mason has docketed the letter as follows: "Unofficial: Ans[wer] that the Societies prefer the 40 dollar frames - keep the portraits open, until the President visits Pha [Philadelphia] - then box them up, and send them to me with your bill. J.Y.M." . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details	Unsold
Lot 310		Sully, Thomas (1783-1872) American artist. Autograph Letter Signed ("Tho Sully"), October 28, 1869, Philadelphia, 1 page, octavo. To Thomas Blackburne, commenting on a painting he saw which he thinks is a Stuart original. Sully writes: "The portrait I saw at No. 431 Christian St. I thought an original by [Gilbert] Stuart, and one of uncommon force and skill." Light toning, else Fine. An interesting letter from a great portraitist talking about another great artist. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 311		Warhol, Andy (1928?-1987) U.S. artist, filmmaker; founder and leading exponent of the Pop Art movement. Black and white quarto Page from a magazine with Warhol's huge signature written vertically in red ink along the right margin. Warhol is shown signing a Campbell's soup can in 1964. Light overall toning, else Fine. Warhol gained notoriety by painting objects such as Campbell Soup cans and Coca-Cola bottles to convey the banality of American pop culture. He was also noted for silk-screened series of pop icons such as Marilyn Monroe. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $196