GAJS.COM Web Catalogue Edward Steichen

“The work I am doing is nothing compared to what I know and feel I will be doing…something bigger and nobler I hope as far as the medium of art is concerned…I will do big things —
just watch”

STEICHEN, EDWARD. (1879-1973). American photographer. Exceptionally long and Important Autograph Letter Signed, “Ed,” on his green, imprinted 83 Boulevard Du Montparnasse stationery. Eleven full pages, octavo. Paris, [January 1901]. Very fine condition. Accompanied by original envelope addressed to “Carl Björncrantz, Malmö, Sweden,” in Steichen’s hand, with postal cancellations and Steichen’s return address on verso. We are proud to quote from one of his earliest known letters:

“...I’d so very much like to have you see my studio and work that I am doing, yet the work I am doing is nothing compared to what I know and feel I will be doing. There is much in me that never was before — something bigger and nobler I hope as far as the medium of art is concerned. I will do big things — just watch. I am at the academy Julian in the mornings now Atelier de Benjamin Constant and Jean Paul Laurens. I can’t like it, yet I know it will do me some good — and it is in a small manner even interesting. Laurens gave me a pretty good-sized compliment the other day, but those things don’t count with me. I have made the acquaintance of a very charming American girl over here, who is strikingly intelligent, practical and beautiful all in one. I expect to do some fine photographs of her. I wish very much that I could have another ‘go’ with you, but, well you will see my people as soon as you get home and cheer up my dear mother eh — old man — I hate to think of you going back so soon, yet in a way I envy you and that, because you can be with Mayer, and take my advice and get all there is to be had in him and there is much. When you are in London see the ‘National Gallery’, the [National] Portrait [Gallery] and above all the Tate Gallery and in it the Watts collection. If you stay there for a time, go to Mrs. Briggs 50 Guilford St. Russell Square W.C. and you can find a room and breakfast cheap. Get some sort of a guide book and map as soon as you get there it is necessary. See all of that wonderful river you can. The ‘Tower of London’ is another sight, near the great bridge. Ride around the town on the buses. I wanted to write to you before this but lost your address only guessed at it in sending the paper. I shall be showing my folios here in Paris soon with the new School of Clemenceau Photography Exhibition, which Mr. T. Holland Clay of Boston is here to arrange. He is living here in my studio with me, and a fine man he is, one of the most interesting men I have ever known. Living with him even, for such a short time as it may be, will do me much good. He is so fine. Remember me to whomever you may chance to think of it to. Go to see Roebel; send him my love, also Miss Selunitz at Roebel’s; remember me to her with especial appreciation. She is a fine girl. By the way if you can hint there a little do so. Roebel has not sent me a cent yet — and he has sold several things — see? I hope to have a picture in the salon in spring here (if they have one) there is an awful rumpus going on about it among the artists, same old story old and new. Carl, if you can possibly do it go to Philadelphia, look up Rosa — it will do me a big favor. Just see her then write to me at once. Don’t say anything of me, you have not heard from me for a long time. I hope you can do this Carl, it will mean much to me. You may have some trouble finding her, but try. I am told Mrs. Gordon is with her. This will help you find an excuse to try to find them. Good luck to you, my love to dear old U.S. when you see it. A year ago we were full of plans! — Some are realized — others! — so goes the world. Bon voyage and love from your friend Ed.”

Developing an interest in art and photography at an early age, Edward Steichen became apprenticed at a Milwaukee lithography firm, the American Fine Art Company. By 1899, he was a Pictorialist photographer, taking dreamlike, out-of-focus pictures, imitating Impressionist art. In July of 1900, Steichen sailed to Paris with artist friend Carl Björncrantz, and that autumn exhibited 21 photographs at The Royal Photographic Society in London. The following year, a version of that exhibition opened in Paris, with 15 of Steichen’s photographs on display. True to his boastings in this letter to Björncrantz, Steichen returned to the United States to do great things. He established Gallery 291 in New York with photographer Alfred Stieglitz, where many famous artists showcased their work for the first time, and became the chief photographer for Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines.


“The work I am doing is nothing compared to what I know and feel I will be doing…something bigger and nobler I hope as far as the medium of art is concerned…I will do big things — just watch” STEICHEN, EDWARD. (1879-1973). American photographer. Exceptionally long and Important Autograph Letter Signed, “Ed,” on his green, imprinted 83 Boulevard Du Montparnasse stationery. Eleven full pages, octavo. Paris, [January 1901]. Very fine condition. Accompanied by original envelope addressed to “Carl Björncrantz, Malmö, Sweden,” in Steichen’s hand, with postal cancellations and Steichen’s return address on verso. We are proud to quote from one of his earliest known letters: “...I’d so very much like to have you see my studio and work that I am doing, yet the work I am doing is nothing compared to what I know and feel I will be doing. There is much in me that never was before — something bigger and nobler I hope as far as the medium of art is concerned. I will do big things — just watch. I am at the academy Julian in the mornings now Atelier de Benjamin Constant and Jean Paul Laurens. I can’t like it, yet I know it will do me some good — and it is in a small manner even interesting. Laurens gave me a pretty good-sized compliment the other day, but those things don’t count with me. I have made the acquaintance of a very charming American girl over here, who is strikingly intelligent, practical and beautiful all in one. I expect to do some fine photographs of her. I wish very much that I could have another ‘go’ with you, but, well you will see my people as soon as you get home and cheer up my dear mother eh — old man — I hate to think of you going back so soon, yet in a way I envy you and that, because you can be with Mayer, and take my advice and get all there is to be had in him and there is much. When you are in London see the ‘National Gallery’, the [National] Portrait [Gallery] and above all the Tate Gallery and in it the Watts collection. If you stay there for a time, go to Mrs. Briggs 50 Guilford St. Russell Square W.C. and you can find a room and breakfast cheap. Get some sort of a guide book and map as soon as you get there it is necessary. See all of that wonderful river you can. The ‘Tower of London’ is another sight, near the great bridge. Ride around the town on the buses. I wanted to write to you before this but lost your address only guessed at it in sending the paper. I shall be showing my folios here in Paris soon with the new School of Clemenceau Photography Exhibition, which Mr. T. Holland Clay of Boston is here to arrange. He is living here in my studio with me, and a fine man he is, one of the most interesting men I have ever known. Living with him even, for such a short time as it may be, will do me much good. He is so fine. Remember me to whomever you may chance to think of it to. Go to see Roebel; send him my love, also Miss Selunitz at Roebel’s; remember me to her with especial appreciation. She is a fine girl. By the way if you can hint there a little do so. Roebel has not sent me a cent yet — and he has sold several things — see? I hope to have a picture in the salon in spring here (if they have one) there is an awful rumpus going on about it among the artists, same old story old and new. Carl, if you can possibly do it go to Philadelphia, look up Rosa — it will do me a big favor. Just see her then write to me at once. Don’t say anything of me, you have not heard from me for a long time. I hope you can do this Carl, it will mean much to me. You may have some trouble finding her, but try. I am told Mrs. Gordon is with her. This will help you find an excuse to try to find them. Good luck to you, my love to dear old U.S. when you see it. A year ago we were full of plans! — Some are realized — others! — so goes the world. Bon voyage and love from your friend Ed.” Developing an interest in art and photography at an early age, Edward Steichen became apprenticed at a Milwaukee lithography firm, the American Fine Art Company. By 1899, he was a Pictorialist photographer, taking dreamlike, out-of-focus pictures, imitating Impressionist art. In July of 1900, Steichen sailed to Paris with artist friend Carl Björncrantz, and that autumn exhibited 21 photographs at The Royal Photographic Society in London. The following year, a version of that exhibition opened in Paris, with 15 of Steichen’s photographs on display. True to his boastings in this letter to Björncrantz, Steichen returned to the United States to do great things. He established Gallery 291 in New York with photographer Alfred Stieglitz, where many famous artists showcased their work for the first time, and became the chief photographer for Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines. For more details or to buy this item, please contact us. SOLD... Please contact us for items similar in quality and content.
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