February 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, February 22nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/22/2018
Sir Joshua Reynolds autograph letter signed from 1772, shortly after he was knighted by King George III and during his time as President of the Royal Academy of Arts. In this letter to one of his patrons, likely Sir William Hamilton, Reynolds writes from Leicester Fields on 16 August 1772, in full, ''I forgot to ask you when I had the honour of seeing you last, about Nancy Reynolds's Picture [''Nancy Reynolds With Doves''] it is at present in the Possession of Sir Wm. Boothby who would be very glad to keep it. He had it on condition to return it to you if it was demanded. If you will please by a line to signify your consent he may then have full possession of the lady. / I take this opportunity of mentioning that I have a small bill on you for your own Picture and the Pieta of Palma Giovane the first was twelve Guineas the other twenty. / I am Sir with the greatest respect your most obedient servant / Joshua Reynolds''. The painting ''Nancy Reynolds With Doves'' was later sold as part of Sir William Boothby's estate, where it was catalogued as having been commissioned by Sir William Hamilton, the likely recipient of this letter. The other painting to which Reynolds refers, ''Pieta of Palma Giovane'' is likely a copy of the painting ''Pieta'' by Palma il Giovane. Single page letter measures 7'' x 8.5''. Creasing and tape repair to verso along folds, overall very good condition.
Sir Joshua Reynolds Autograph Letter Signed -- Reynolds Corresponds With a Patron (Likely Sir William Hamilton) in 1772, Asking for Payment of 32 Guineas for Two Paintings
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