July 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2014
Irving Berlin original artwork painted around a ''White Christmas'' autograph musical quotation signed, dated 1973. The song was penned in 1940 by Berlin and was first heard publicly on Christmas Day of 1941, as Bing Crosby performed the tune sending it to the top of the charts. In 1942, it was then featured in the musical ''Holiday Inn'', winning Berlin an Academy Award for Best Music in an Original Song. Also a prolific painter, here Berlin encapsulates a line of tune from ''White Christmas'' with a red rose painted against a black background in acrylic paint. Beneath the rose, Berlin writes five bars and lyrics from the song reading, ''and may all your Christmases be white.'' Signed and inscribed ''For Gerald Wagner [musical notes] Irving Berlin / 1973''. Artwork measures 5.75'' x 5'', framed and matted to an overall size of 7'' x 6''. With a related typed letter signed to Wagner on Berlin's personal letterhead, dated 30 March 1973, reading in full: ''Dear Gerry: This is a 'do it yourself' Christmas card but I couldn't wait until Christmas, so here it is and I hope you like it. Again, many thanks for helping me with a situation that worried me a great deal.'' Signed ''Irving'' in blue ink. One page letter measures 7.25'' x 10.5'' with three light folds, else near fine overall. A rare and exceptional piece. Recently sold for $6,572.50 as lot 34376 in Heritage's 11 April 2013 sale.
Irving Berlin Original Artwork & Autograph Musical Quotation Signed -- From His Most Famous Song of All Time, ''White Christmas'' -- With an Additional 1973 Typed Letter Signed
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