Sargent, John Singer. (1856-1925)
Autograph Letter about "The Octopus"
Autograph letter signed from the leading American painter of the turn of the twentieth century to art dealer Charles Knoedler, regarding his painting "Two Octopi," which had been recently purchased by Knoedler. Boston, January 4, [1918]. 2 pp. 8vo, single sheet folded, on Hotel Vendome letterhead, with original envelope postmarked January 5, 1918. Folding creases and some light wear and soiling; overall in fine condition. 5.25 x 6.5 inches (13.3 x 16.5 cm).Text, in full: "Dear Mr. Knoedler, All I can remember about that 'Octopus' is that it was a sketch done on the deck of a fishing boat in Brittany when I was about 19 years old—I am glad you like it well enough to have bought it for yourself. I will sign it if you like. I hope you have been moving some of the Marshalls. He is very hard up in Switzerland and any remittances would be very welcome to him. Yours truly, John Sargent."
John Singer Sargent's painting of two octopi on the deck of a French fishing boat is one of the artist's first works in oils, completed around 1875. At the time, Sargent was a student at the Parisian École des Beaux-Arts, and was painting many landscapes and seascapes: it was not until after his studies that he turned his attention to portraits. For a painter later known for his depictions of high society figures, his octopus painting is remarkably rustic, capturing the strange textures and colors of the sea creatures with fascination. (14939)
Autograph Letter Art & Design