John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), the supreme portraitist of the Gilded Age, writes in careful detail about book binding and typography. The two-page ALS, dated January 16th, 1904, on printed "31, Tite Street, Chelsea, S.W." letterhead, reads in full: "Dear Sir, I am willing to go to the limit of 3 guineas per column — I hope it is not hampering you too much to recommend that the bindings and the character of the lettering and ornamentations should be markedly 18th century — and rather classic and recalling Adams than otherwise. I rather like the fine and slightly slanting letters of the title of 'Tom Jones.' Yours truly / John S. Sargent."
The letter is a small revelation. Sargent's aesthetic sensibility was not confined to paint; here he advocates for 18th-century classicism in book design, invokes the elegant Adam style, and expresses admiration for the typography of a "Tom Jones" title page. Tite Street, Chelsea was the legendary artistic address Sargent shared at various times with James McNeill Whistler and Oscar Wilde. Sargent letters with specific aesthetic content are far more desirable than routine correspondence.
ALS, two pages on a bifolium, black ink, each page approximately 5 x 8 inches, dated January 16th, 1904; printed "31, Tite Street, Chelsea, S.W." letterhead (IMG_204.jpg, IMG_205.jpg). Light toning; horizontal fold; paper sound; overall very good condition. Estimate: $3,500-$5,500.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.