Description:

Edward Steichen Archive of Two Signed Letters with Photo & Related TL

Two typed letters signed by photographer Edward Steichen, along with a related letter and photograph. Each letter signed is 1p, typed on a leaf of Steichen's personal stationery.

The first, dating October 24, 1963, responds to an included carbon copy of a letter from Waldo E. McNaught dated January 14, 1963. Steichen apologizes for the great delay in responding and writes "Let me assure you that I have not forgotten our close and warm relationship in the Navy and I would certainly enjoy seeing you again…" McNaught's letter to Steichen had enclosed an article about Carl Sandburg's birthday party and how it had reminded him of Steichen's own birthday party on Guam and in Gjon Mili's studio.

The second letter, dated March 9, 1967, refers to several photographs sent, reading in full: "Thanks for the prints of Miss Gish and for your long friendly memory. As far as health is concerned, I am doing allright [sic] for an old buzzard and I assume that yours is good also…" One of the photographs, measuring 10" x 8" is included, featuring an elderly Steichen and Lillian Gish photographed at an event. The pair had both attended a party at the Gallery of Modern Art Party in New York on December 1, 1966.

Born Edouard Jean Steichen (1879-1973) in Luxemburg, the self-taught photographer was later named Director of the U.S. Naval Photographic Institute during the Second World War. He commanded all combat photography during the war and was promoted to captain in 1946. He organized two exhibitions during the war, "Road to Victory" and "Power in the Pacific", and created a long curatorial association with the Museum of Modern Art. Waldo E. McNaught was a photo editor of the "Detroit Times" and had served with Captain Steichen in the South Pacific during WWII.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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