AMERICAN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER ANSEL ADAMS. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, February 6, 1960. On his name imprinted stationery, to “Dear Nick.” “It was good to talk with you the other day – although I must have sounded very dull indeed! This flu is bad stuff!! I am still in bed with it, and I … [ Read More ]
Collectible Autographs from Famous Artists
Autograph signatures, signed letters, and other signed pieces of artists vary in availability, and collector demand varies widely. The most popular area of interest among collectors is the French artists, beginning with early Impressionism in the 19th century and continuing well into the 20th century. Signed letters of Edouard Manet, the originator and leader of Impressionism, are, relative to other artists of the later period, much rarer and more in demand. Claude Monet was very well-known and signed many letters, but he is in great demand by collectors. More likely to be found are signed pieces by Auguste Rodin, the leading sculptor of realism. Pablo Picasso would give his autograph signature to admirers both through the mail and in person, but the international interest in Picasso has created a demand that has made his autograph signature difficult to find. The autographs of Henri Matisse, a leading fauvist painter and sculptor, are much rarer than the autograph material of his contemporaries. The Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali signed his autograph under many different circumstances but his popularity has caused him to not be as common as he might be.
In the field of American art, John James Audubon's autograph signatures and signed pieces are quite rare. The sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens less so, but his signed letters have been collected by an institutional library. John Singer Sargent, who wrote many signed letters of a social nature, has generally been available. The two American Western sculptors and painters, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, are quite rare in autograph material, as is Albert Bierstadt.
Cassatt, Mary
American Impressionist paper. Autograph Letter Signed, M. Cassatt, one page, octavo, Paris, undated but circa 1904. To M. Anzoli, in French. “Would you please be kind enough to make for me, as soon as possible, a white frame for a pastel, no. 12, that is to say the frame and its number 12 figure. I … [ Read More ]
Cezanne, Paul
French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, Paul Cezanne, November 30, 1896, two pages, octavo. In French. To Emile Solari. “I am so very sorry I was not at Rue des Dames when you came by. There’s only one way to make up for that, and that is to give me a rendezvous for tomorrow, for example. … [ Read More ]
Chagall, Marc
RUSSIAN PAINTER WRITING ABOUT BELLA HIS WIFE AND MUSE Autograph Letter Signed, one full page, quarto, New York, 1945. In Russian. “She always spoke of you with affection. I always feel your sincerity. I will be happy to see you. I sent you a book. Modesty prevented me from getting in touch with you … [ Read More ]
Copley, John Singleton
American artist. Partly-printed Receipt Signed, J.C.Copley. one page, narrow oblong octavo, April, 2, 1787. Together with a printed prospectus of the subscription for the engraving of Copley’s painting, “The Siege and Relief of Gibraltar,” three and one half pages, large quarto, [London], undated. The receipt is from Mr. John Fornou Tuffen for “the Sum … [ Read More ]
Currier, Nathaniel
AMERICAN LITHOGRAPHER; CURRIER AND IVES Autograph Document Signed, Nathl Currier, two lines on a sheet of paper measuring 8 inches wide by 2-1/4 inches high, New York, March 4, 1836. “Received New York March 4th 1836–from A.J. Davis…Twenty dollars…” Price: $3,750 This item is associated with these categories in our inventory: Americana Art
Dali, Salvador
Spanish painter; associated with the Ultra-Modern schools, notably Futurism, Constructivism, Cubism, Abstract Irrationalism, and Surrealism. Original pen and ink sketch, unsigned, full page, large quarto, n.d. Three abstract reclining forms, each propped up on a bent elbow and each extending a hand holding a bowl. A fine example. Framed in russet, caramel and antique gilt, … [ Read More ]
Dali, Salvador
Spanish surrealist painter. Signed Book. “Dali…Dali…Dali…” by Max Gerard. Signed, inscribed and dated on the first page of the text, A Richman, Dali, 1979. The painter has elaborated his initial D with a drawing of a snail on a leaf, from which three drops of liquid fall from its point. New York, Harry N. Abrams, … [ Read More ]
Eames, Charles and Ray
CHARLES AND RAY EAMES. Inventive designers of the post World War II period; created the “Eames Chairs.” Typewritten Letter Signed by Charles, C, one page, quarto, May 14, 1952. To Alexander Girard (in Grosse Pointe, Michigan). With one word and two corrections in his hand, and one sentence, written in red crayon, in Ray’s hand: … [ Read More ]
Gainsborough, Thomas
English painter; excelled in portraits and landscapes; painted The Blue Boy. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 4 1/2 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches high, August 7, 1778. “Recd. of Sir Thomas Clarges sixty-five guineas in full for a portrait of Lady Clarges and a frame.” Blank upper corner is torn away, not affecting the … [ Read More ]
Gauguin, Paul
PAUL GAUGUIN. French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, octavo, n.d. In French, to Monsieur Dolent. “…Naturally I am pleased by your choice of a sketch-maker. I am going to start reading the work in question, otherwise it would seem difficult for me to suggest an idea, knowing nothing about it. I hope I … [ Read More ]
Gauguin, Paul
French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, small octavo, n.d. In bold pencil to the painter Camille Pissarro. “Upon receiving your letter I set off for the Grande Athenes, hoping to meet you. Since I am busy tomorrow until Wednesday, I will not be able to make a date with you. Anyhow, I’m not in … [ Read More ]
Houdon, Jean Antoine
French sculptor. Document Signed, Houdon, one page, oblong octavo, Paris, May 26, 1800. The sculptor signs a receipt “attesting that I have received from Citizens Moliere, Contremoulin and Texier two hundred and sixty-seven francs, and thirty centimes, net total of the repayment of two-thirds of my annuity plus the interest for the first six months. … [ Read More ]
Ives, James Merritt
American lithographer. Currier & Ives. Autograph Document Signed by Ives as “Currier & Ives,” one page, quarto, April 9, 1859. Ives pens a bill for 16 of the firm’s lithographs, including “Am[erican]. Fireman” and “Mischief and 4th July.” Fine condition, framed in red, black and gilt, with a photograph of the lithograph “American Fireman.” Framed … [ Read More ]
Laurencin, Marie
MARIE LAURENCIN. French modernist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one and a half pages, octavo, undated. To an unnamed lady, concerning her tapestry designs that the state manufacturer would surely reject, but when the tapestry again comes into vogue, she is certain they will be accepted. Price: $4,750 This item is associated with the following … [ Read More ]
Leger, Ferdnand
French painter; identified with the Ultra-Modern School, especially with the Cubists. Signed Photograph of one of his paintings, inscribed on the lower margin Proof that man descends from the ape. To Louis Mangel, his friend F. Leger, dated April 23, 1916. 11 1/2 by 8 inches, a fine example. Framed in gray, plum and gilt. … [ Read More ]
Leger, Fernand
FERNAND LEGER. French painter; identified with the Ultra-modern school, especially the Cubists. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, oblong octavo, New York, March 10, 1945. In English. “I want to acknowledge…that I have received your check $600.00 for my painting France reborn. Will you please note that I have left 80 W. 40th St. (the … [ Read More ]
Manet, Edouard
EDOUARD MANET. French Impressionist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, small octavo, March 20, no year. On imprinted stationery, to My dear Rodolphe. “Go as soon as you can to Mr. Durusquecs 6 impasse de la Madeleine. He is the owner of a manor I told you about. If you two come to an … [ Read More ]
Moran, Thomas
THOMAS MORAN. American artist, best known for his landscapes and scenes of the American West. Autograph Letter Signed, T. Moran, one page, octavo, [April 2, 1872]. To Stedman. Fine condition. Excuse my forgetfulness but I intended to have brought your invitation to the private view when I came to varnish the pictures the other day. … [ Read More ]
Morris, William
WILLIAM MORRIS. English poet and artist; founded the Arts and Crafts Movement. Printed Proof Sheet Signed, with initials in purple ink in the upper left margin, one page, quarto, undated. With handwritten corrections in purple and black ink. The proof sheet, bearing a large decorated woodcut initial “W”, is page 78 of the Kelmscott … [ Read More ]
Morse, Samuel
SAMUEL F. B. MORSE. American artist and inventor of the telegraph. Sketch, in pencil, one page, irregular small octavo sheet pasted onto a quarto sheet, [1848]. Morse has drawn the face of a bearded man, wearing a cap, below which is an Autograph Note of Winfield Scott’s Chief of Staff, B[enjamin] B. French, signed … [ Read More ]
Nast, Thomas
THOMAS NAST. American cartoonist whose work was largely responsible for the overthrow of the Tweed Ring in New York. Fourteen sketches and Autograph Manuscript Signed, Th: N, drawn and written on both sides of a dust wrapper for Society as I have found it by Ward McAllister, 8 by 20 inches, [1892]. Minor marginal … [ Read More ]
O’Keeffe, Georgia
GEORGIA O’KEEFFE. American painter. Autograph Letter Signed, Georgia O’Keeffe, one page, quarto, Abiquiu, July 25, 1969. To Elizabeth Monroe. With the original envelope. “Dear Elizabeth Monroe / When you are in Santa Fe drop me a note and plan to come up some morning. “If you do not have a car I could probably send … [ Read More ]
Redoute, Pierre-Joseph
PIERRE-JOSEPH REDOUTE. French painter of flowers (sometimes called the “Raphael of Flowers”) and lithographer. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, quarto, December 10, 1811. To Aimé Bonpland, Josephine’s botanist, enclosing a bill that you have been asking me for so long a time, but I dont at all remember what you spent yourself because I didn’t … [ Read More ]
Renoir, Pierre Auguste
PIERRE AUGUSTE RENOIR. French Impressionist painter. Photograph of one of his paintings of a female nude, standing backward, signed above a stamp, which reads “Seen in order to authenticate the signature of Pierre Auguste Renoir, painter, witnessed January 10, 1911.” The photograph was originally part of the archive of Renoir’s art dealer, the great Ambrose … [ Read More ]
Reynolds, Sir Joshua
SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS. English portrait painter; official painter to George III. Partly printed Document Signed Sir Joshua Reynolds, one page, folio, [26 inches by 18 inches], [London], November 30, 1772. With an elaborate engraving occupying the upper half of the document, and the blue wax seal of the Royal Academy of London at the bottom. … [ Read More ]
Roualt, Georges
GEORGES ROUALT. French Fauvist and Expressionist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one full page, quarto, August 15, 1938. I am in receipt of your telegram – here is the address of my daughter, Isabelle Rouault, who is my secretary, but is not with me at this time: Chalet Pax, Route de Pau, les Hautes Pyrenées, where … [ Read More ]
Stuart, Gilbert
GILBERT STUART. American painter; known for his distinctively American portrait style. Document Signed, as witness, Gilb: Stuart, one page, quarto, London, August 2, 1783. The document itself is signed by a William Richardson and reads: “Recd. from John Murray, bookseller Ten pounds ten shillings in full for the Literary property or Copy right of a … [ Read More ]
Thackeray, William Makepeace
Price: $2,750 English novelist. Pen and ink sketches, unsigned, two pages, octavo, [n.d.]. William Makepeace Thackeray has drawn three profile heads of a man wearing a top hat; a cat; two Egyptian pyramids with a fierce, crouching lion in the foreground; a begging dog; a crowing rooster; and a mouse. On the verso, he has … [ Read More ]
Toulouse-Lautrec, Henry de
Price: $10,000 Autograph Letter Signed, HT Lautrec, one and a half pages, small quarto, [1894]. In French, to the publisher and lithographer André Marty. Requesting a meeting at 6:30 at the Napolitain, Henry de Toulouse-Lautrec writes: “I gave you my last instructions. I am going with Geffroy tomorrow (Friday) to see Yvette in Vaux.” In … [ Read More ]
Turner, J M W
Price: $4,750 English landscape painter. Autograph Letter Signed, J M W Turner, one full page, quarto, December 27, 1845. To Hawkesworth. “Thanks for the pie. As good as usual — but no letter. I hope you are all well at Farnley for I would…[like] very much to know something of your whereabouts and your health. … [ Read More ]
Vigee-Lebrun, Marie Anne Élisabeth
Price: $4,500 Portrait painter to Queen Marie Antoinette. Third Person Letter, Marie Anne Vigee-Lebrun, one page, octavo, October 28, [1837]. In French. Mme Le Brun, before returning to Paris next Monday, asks Monsieur Vattemare to do her the honor of visiting her tomorrow, Sunday. She will return the engravings he left with her, as she … [ Read More ]
Whistler, James McNeill
Price: $5,750 American artist. Superb sepia tone albumen photograph of James Whistler’s work in White III, Signed Whistler and with his butterfly signature, in pencil on the lower mount. From the private collection of the American painter Chauncey Ryder. A fine example measuring 15 ½ inches wide by 21 inches high.