HENRI MATISSE He signs this 10¼x14 color print, Abstract Figure (Blue Series) Printed Art signed in Pencil: "H.M." Color, 10¼x14. The print is titled Abstract Figure (Blue Series). From Proof, Pre Publication Edition, Verve. French painter, sculptor, and printmaker Henri Matisse (1869-1954), who was influenced by Post-Impressionism, revolted against Pointillism and became a leader of the Fauvist school, although his later work moved in other directions. He was a master in the use of form and color to convey emotion. A lifelong friend and rival of Pablo Picasso, Matisse shared many similarities with his contemporary. However, he differed from Picasso in that Matisse usually painted from nature. Slightly soiled at blank left edge. Otherwise, fine condition. read more...

WESTERN ARTISTS AND WRITERS: OLAF WIEGHORST, EARL EDER, JOE BOEHLER, STAN LYNDE, J. K. RALSTON and MANY OTHERS 34x35½ buckskin, signed by an impressive collection of Western artists in the 1970s, triple matted and custom framed for display. Some of the artists have added drawings in a Native American theme. Many signers have strong connections with the State of Montana and the Blackfoot Nation. Original Art signed: Buckskin bearing nearly 100 signatures. An unknown artist has drawn a large teepee in the center of the buckskin. Many of the signers have embellished their autograph with Western-themed drawings (teepees, horse heads, cattle brands, etc.). Some have dated their signatures, with the range of dates extending from 1970 to 1977. Many of the signers have a close connection with the state of Montana. The signers include the following: OLAF WIEGHORST (1899-1988), born in Jutland, Denmark, is best known for his poignant portrayals of the American West. Wieghorst's paintings have sold for more than $450,000. and his signed Lithographs for up to $12,000. His most famous work, Native Madonna, was published as a lithograph in 1972. Sioux painter and sculptor EARL EDER (b. read more...

MARY CASSATT In a handwritten letter to a friend in Paris, Cassatt explains that her art keeps her too busy to reply to most letters, but that she would welcome a visit in the Spring. ALS: "Mary Cassatt", 6 pages, 5¼x7, front and verso. Mesnil-Beaufresne, Mesnil-Theribus (Oise), France, no date. On imprinted stationery to Miss Mary Gardner Swift. Begins: "My Dear Mary". In full: "Of course I had your letter but I never thought of answering it. If you knew what my life was you would [five words illegible] than in the [illegible] If you would love to write to me anything that you think I would I shall always be glad to know [two words illegible] I am a very busy woman. Most of my correspondence is done in French through my [illegible] Is French, she has been with us 43 years Ever since my Mothers (sic) death thirty years ago I have been alone, carrying on this place & working here. Ah my art. Of course I have been better known as an artist in France [illegible] is a member of the family In the meantime I send you my kindest regards & hope that next Spring if I am well enough you will come out and see me I had my three nephews and one niece here this last summer. read more...

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CALLS HIS WORK "THE ONLY TRULY AMERICAN EXPRESSION IN THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE"   FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT. Extremely rare Partly Printed DS: "Frank Lloyd Wright Architect", 1p, 5½x8½. No date, no place. An application for information to be published in a directory. Headed: "Business or Professional Record". In the upper portion, which asks for "data to enable the editor to do complete justice to your business or professional record", Wright has written, in full: "Work characterized as 'New School of Middle West' in America -- Abroad, as the architecture of the 'Prairie Dimension' -- the only truly American expression in the art of Architecture. Many foreign publications of distinction publish the work and European architects manifest increasing interest in it." Wright has also written "None" twice in columns asking for information on being an officer or director of a corporation and the office or position occupied. At the bottom of the form is a line that reads "Please enclose your business card or other printed matter in order that spelling of names may be verified. read more...

PIERRE AUGUSTE RENOIR Unsigned aquatint "Tourne à Gauche" portrait of Pierre Auguste Renoir's son, Claude Renoir, circa 1904. Aquatint, unsigned. B/w, 11x13¼ overall, image 9¾x12 (two surfaces). Aquatint "Tourne à Gauche" portrait of his son, Claude Renoir, circa 1904. Facsimile of Renoir's signature, produced by the same process, appears below the image. Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), a leader among the Impressionists, is best known for his landscapes and paintings of figures and flowers. Renoir, who also enjoyed painting his children, also painted Claude, the youngest of his three sons (born in 1901 when the artist was 60), at his easel (1907) and dressed in a clown costume (1909). Dry mounted. Edges slightly soiled. Mounting remnants on verso (no show through). Overall, fine condition. Mounted, not in Gallery of History style. Not reviewed by us for conservation integrity. "As is" mounting purchase. read more...

NORMAN ROCKWELL Limited edition set of seven lithographs based on Rockwell paintings used to illustrate Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack. Each 25½x19½ lithograph in the set has been signed in pencil by Rockwell and is numbered. Lithograph Set signed: "Norman Rockwell" in pencil. Set of seven color lithographs, each 25½x19½. Each one is numbered (111 of 200) and signed by the artist. Loose sheets of handmade Velin d'Arches paper. Pulled at Atelier Mourlot, Paris. The 7 lithographs, based on Rockwell's paintings for the Heritage Press edition of Poor Richard's Almanack (1964) are titled: "Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia", "The Drunkard", "Ben's Belles", "The Village Smithy", "Ye Olde Print Shoppe", "The Golden Age" and "The Royal Crown". The set is laid into a gilt-stamped, brown cloth clamshell box. Noted American artist/illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) is best known for his realistic and humorous scenes of small town life in America. He painted over 300 covers for the "Saturday Evening Post" (1916-1965) after beginning his career at age 18 as an illustrator for "Boy's Life". Rockwell also painted politically significant works, such as his cover illustration of Franklin D. read more...

THE NOTED WESTERN ARTIST WRITES OF HONG KONG AND DRAWS TWO CARTOONS ILLUSTRATING WHERE THE BEST SCOTCH IN CHINA CAN BE FOUND FREDERIC REMINGTON The noted western artist pens os Hong Kong and draws two cartoons illustrating where the best scotch in China can be found Autograph Note on Original Art Signed: "Frederic Remington", 2p, 8x6½, front and verso. Matted, not in the Gallery of History style, to 13x11½ (both sides visible). New Rochelle, New York, no date, Monday. On imprinted "Endion" letterhead to "My dear Julian", journalist Julian Ralph. In full, as written: "Much obliged for the photo. - The[y] move like the patients in a chiropodists ante-room. But its a good photo. - I see there are the G-darndest plagues going in in Hong Kong - Foo-Chin - Ko-so - Fol-hi and other Chinese settlements on the coast that it aint safe this side of the Big Correl fence - I think any man who will go to China would go to Hell for a Pastime. read more...

CAMILLE PISSARRO The painter signs a richly detailed, 4-page handwritten letter to his wife Julie (1892), discussing business and family affairs, and expressing frustration at mail delays Autograph Letter signed: "C. Pissarro", 4 pages (front and verso), 4½x7. Eragny (France), 1892 December 27. To"My dear Julie". In French, translated in full: "One cannot rely on the punctuality of the mail these days; would you believe that your letter to Lise only arrived here yesterday, thus too late to be communicated in time; I hope that you were nevertheless on time at your aunt's. Something else even more extraordinary, I received yesterday the letter that you sent to Lucien on Saturday, the imbeciles at the Hotel who know my name, even though Lucien is staying with them, still sent the letter to me; I thought it would be useless to send it back because it would have come back to me, and besides it was too late. The 2 p.m. train just came by, nobody. Lucien wrote that he would perhaps miss it and would be on the 3:45. I enclose herewith a letter from Mrs. Mirbeau that must be answered. read more...

ALFRED STIEGLITZ Signed autograph letter to a biographer concerning photographic plates missing from his collection Autograph Letter signed: "Alfred Stieglitz", 2 pages, 8½x11, front and verso (hinged to show both sides). New York City, 1933 December 18. To his friend (and author) Grace E. Titus, who was working a book about the innovative photographer. In full, as written: "Every number of Camera Work was published complete when issued. The way it happens that Plates are missing is that frequently Camera Work came out of the Bindery with Plates to be inserted by me personally after binding. Some years ago many of the Insets were either destroyed or mislaid. Hence the impossibility of completing many issues at present I know of no way of acquiring missing plates except in keeping one's eyes open for numbers of Camera Work as they may appear in the market Absolutely complete sets of Camera Work are very, very rare & are priceless. No I have no reproductions either There are none The Plates in Camera Work for the major part are photo gravures made directly from original negatives & were made under my direction as were the prints. read more...