DANIEL HUNTINGTON
Writing to William Bostuck of New Haven, about finishing the portrait of Bostuck's daughter "which bids fair to be one of my best works"
Autograph Letter signed: "D. Huntington", 2pages (front and verso), 5x8 .New York, 1856 May 24. To William Bostuck, New Haven, Connecticut. In full: "As it is probably I may leave for Europe this summer I would like to finish the portrait of your daughter, which can be done without further sittings (as the head is finished except a little working of the color) if you will send me one of her dresses, an apron, and the shoes, of about the period when she sat. During one of the sittings I made a separate study in crayons of her head to size it in finishing, fearing lest some occurrence might prevent the completion of the one on the canvass. I think this picture bids fair to be one of my best works. Please let me hear from you soon and oblige. Yours very truly". Pencil note at bottom notes receipt of the letter on May 26, with an answer sent next day. American painter Daniel Huntington (1816-1906) was best known as a portrait artist, although he also did landscapes, and historical and religious themes. He was President of the National Academy of Design (1862-1870, 1877-1890) and served as Vice President of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Subjects of his portraits included Presidents Van Buren, Lincoln, Grant, Hayes and Arthur and Generals Dix, Sherman and Sheridan. Huntington's portrait of First Lady Lucy Hayes, commissioned by the Women's Christian Temperance Union from contributions, hangs in the White House. Huntington's other works include Juliet on the Balcony, The Goldsmith's Daughter and Queen Mary Signing the Death Warrant of Lady Jane Grey. Creased with multiple mailing folds. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.
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