ART & MUSIC
CLAUDE MONET ~ TO HIS WIFE, WHILE ENGAGED IN PAINTING: THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT & THE WATERLOO BRIDGE SERIES
“[I’M JUST] BACK FROM [PAINTING AT] THE HOSPITAL AND I’M QUITE TIRED, JUST TIRED FROM WORK. I DECIDED TO GO EARLY; YOU’LL SEE, IT’S THE SUREST WAY TO DO SOMETHING USEFUL THERE; I THINK [THE VIEW] IS ADMIRABLE IN ANY WEATHER.”
MONET, CLAUDE (1840-1926) Revered French Impressionist painter; his painting Impression, Sunrise is the inspiration for the term Impressionism. Increasing scarce, and of the highest order: Autograph Letter Signed, “your old man, Claude,” in French, on imprinted “SAVOY HOTEL, EMBANKMENT GARDEN, LONDON”, stationery. Four very full pages, octavo. “Saturday 5:30 in the afternoon”, no year, but most likely February 1900.
THE INFAMOUS ‘SPY’ MATA-HARI — RENEWS HER NEWSPAPER CLIPPING SERVICE
[MATA-HARI] Stage name used by MARGARETHA GEERTRUIDA [MACLEOD] ZELLE. 1876-1917. Dutch exotic dancer, courtesan, and alleged World War I spy; rose to fame in Paris circa 1905 with sensual, near nude, Asian-inspired performances; Accused of being a double agent for Germany and France, she was arrested in 1917, tried on largely circumstantial evidence, and executed by firing squad on October 15, 1917; her name endures as a symbol of intrigue and seduction. Surprising rare Autograph Letter Signed, “Mata Hari” in French.
METROPOLITAN OPERA GREAT ANTONIO SCOTTI ~ SIGNED CABINET PHOTOGRAPH
SCOTTI, ANTONIO. (1866–1936) — Italian Baritone and Metropolitan Opera Legend; celebrated for his elegant style, rich tone, and long tenure as a principal artist at the New York Metropolitan Opera, where he performed for more than 33 seasons. Handsome cabinet size photograph, boldly inscribed, in Italian.
MANET ASKS A THEATRE PRODUCER TO ATTEND THE AUDITION WHERE A YOUNG WOMAN WHO HIS FRIEND HAS AN ACTIVE “INTEREST IN” IS ABOUT TO APPEAR
MANET, EDOUARD (1832-1883) French painter and a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Scarce Autograph Letter Signed, with his full signature “Edouard Manet,” in French. One page, octavo.
THE GREAT FRENCH GLASS MAKER AND JEWELER, LALIQUE ~~ OFFERS ONE OF HIS FLOWER CREATIONS AS A REMBRANCE OF HIS VISIT
LALIQUE, RENÉ. (1860-1945). French jeweler and glassmaker whose products were some of the most characteristic and popular works of the art nouveau movement. Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed, “Lalique”, in French, on his imprinted 40, Cours-La-Reine stationery. One full page, octavo. Paris, no date.
JAMES R. RANDALL’S: “MARYLAND! MY MARYLAND!” — THE WAR HYMN OF THE CONDEFERACY
RANDALL, JAMES R. (1839-1908) American poet, writer, and journalist; intensely Southern in his sympathies, he wrote ‘Maryland My Maryland!’; it became the war hymn of the Confederacy, and state song of Maryland. Scarce and very choice Autograph Quotation Signed, “James R Randall”, being a verse of his famous song ‘Maryland, My Maryland’: One page, lined octavo paper.
HENRY JAMES ARRANGES TO ATTEND A REHERSAL OF IBSEN’S PLAY: LITTLE EYOLF
JAMES, HENRY. (1843-1916). American writer. Good Autograph Letter Signed, “Henry James”, on his embossed 34 de Vere Gardens, W. stationery. Four full pages, octavo. London, “Tuesday”, no date. Very fine condition.