Millais, Sir John Everett - Autograph letters - George Du Maurier
Rare Books, Maps and Manuscripts
Auction: 29 August 2012 at 12:00 BST
Description
A collection of 21 Autograph letters, comprisng: 13 Autograph letters signed, 2 Autograph letters initialled, 1 unsigned, 1 Autograph signed postcard, to George Du Maurier, 31 October 1873 - 3 November 1895, 8vo, 39 pages, Birnam, Perthshire, 2 Palace Gate, Kensington, and Bowerswell, Perthshire, referring to paintings "The Knight delivering the lady has never been photographed or engraved", his portrait of Du Maurier "Its painting you will be a pleasure, I count the operation leisure; So come to me at half past ten. And I'll begin your portrait then...", innovative work: "a really modern subject is regarded as a difficulty & I have endeavoured to prove it is not impossible to deal with the surroundings of our own time with success. It remains however to be seen whether the public will care for modern life...", the engagement of his daughter Carrie, painting outside "I have two pictures awaiting your scrutiny", Du Maurier's work "I enjoyed your dream in the "Almanac", the series are beautifully drawn, but entre-nous I like the old way of publishing it better", complimenting Du Maurier "the monster bride held between her parents" was sublime", referring to Buzzard and the Arts Club Dinner, and Sullivan "I always thought he was worthy of being one of the brotherhood", family life "Having a family may on the whole be a pleasure, but what a lot of care they divulge on us", and
5 Autograph letters to Frederick Lehmann, 4 signed, two concluding with sketches, one with monogram. 11 pages, 8vo, 2 Palace Gate, Kensington, and Birnam, Perthshire, 24 Sept 1861 - 27 April 1884,, referring to his ability to "turn out a fancy article occasionally, subject to the fickle approval of an insensible public", advising Lehmann that the reproduction of a certain picture would be a bad commercial proposition as it would "only be bought by a few people of taste", agreeing to paint the portrait of Lehmann's daughter, Nina (for £1050 with the copyright), and sending news of his own activities and family, the four page letter of 1864 is written throughout in jocose Lowland Scots verses, the two sketches in pen and ink, folding cloth box
Footnote
Provenance: Viscount Strathallan, Stobhall, Perthshire