Auction Date:2010 Sep 15 @ 22:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Original and rare unsigned ink illustration of a gentleman fishing, captioned in Clemens’s hand, “Joe Jefferson,” on a 5.75 x 7 off-white illustrator’s sheet affixed to an 8 x 10.5 card. Clemens made this sketch for an article entitled ‘Instructions in Art,’ which originally was published in Metropolitan Magazine in 1903. Clemens writes of the drawing in the article, "The above is a marine picture, and is intended to educate the eye in the important matters of perspective and foreshortening. The mountainous and bounding waves in the foreground, contrasted with the tranquil ship fading away as in a dream the other side of the fishing-pole, convey to us the idea of space and distance as no words could do. Such is the miracle wrought by that wondrous device, perspective…The portrait reproduces Mr. Joseph Jefferson, the common friend of the human race. He is fishing, and is not catching anything. This is finely expressed by the moisture in the eye and the anguish of the mouth. The mouth is holding back words. The pole is bamboo, the line is foreshortened. This foreshortening, together with the smoothness of the water out there where the cork is, gives a powerful impression of distance, and is another way of achieving a perspective effect." In very good to fine condition, with a pencil notation above image, a light horizontal crease, scattered light toning and soiling, and some notations and surface loss to borders of card.
The noted author, who was always fond of nature, dabbled in artwork as well—including illustrating the aforementioned article. As with this magazine piece, much of Clemens’ literature showed his great sensitivity toward nature and “the miracle wrought by that wondrous device, perspective.” His fondness was reflected in his last home, Stormfield, designed to blend into its natural pine and cedar surroundings. That home was kept free of any photos, consistent with the believe that no image could equal the beauty of the surrounding landscape. An interesting and different avenue for Clemens to vent his creative energy.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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