Description:

Christy Howard

Howard Chandler Christy ALS: "I will be glad to make the picture"

2pp ALS inscribed overall and signed by American artist Howard Chandler Christy (1872-1952) as "Howard Chandler Christy" at the top of the second page. Written at The Barracks, Christy's homestead and artist's studio, in Duncan Falls, Ohio on January 8, 1913. On watermarked cream laid bifold stationery with Christy's address embossed in cobalt blue at top. The original transmittal envelope in Christy's hand, bearing a cancelled 2 cent carmine George Washington stamp, has been glued to the bottom of the second page. With the collector's pencil notation (when purchased, and for how much) found at the top of the first page. Expected wear including light overall toning. A small closed tear and minor mounting traces verso, else near fine. Each page measures 4.875" x 7.875". Ex Ray V. Denslow (see biography below.)

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"I am in receipt of your letter of Jan 7th but your former letter did not reach me, copy of which is not enclosed - however you can find it later.

 

I will be glad to make the picture, and if you have any special ideas, please send it along. Or do you want me to work out some ideas of my own - ?"

Christy's correspondent "Mr Griffith" referred to William Griffith, formerly the editor of McCall's Magazine, but after 1912, the managing editor of The Semi-Monthly Magazine Section. In Griffith's words, this periodical based out of New York City "will pay the very best prices for the very best work, fiction or articles, that is designed to interest, amuse or inform the reading and thinking Republic" [T he Editor: The Journal of Information for Literary Workers, Vol. 35, No. 1 (Ridgewood, New Jersey: The Editor Company), January 1912, p. 171.] Christy's illustrations would have accompanied articles in this magazine.

Howard Chandler Christy was one of the most popular illustrators of the early twentieth century. Christy's portraits of leading politicians, celebrities, and businessmen appeared in magazines between the 1920s-40s. The artist's idealized portraits of beautiful modern women--his "Christy Girls"--could be seen everywhere, from Christy's nostalgic genre paintings, to his patriotic enlistment posters from World War I.

Provenance

Ray V. Denslow (1885-1960), a fourth generation Freemason, and internationally renowned Masonic historian, having written over 20 full volumes and 62 booklets on Masonic subjects. He held extensive positions as a Freemason over his lifetime including Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Missouri and as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Missouri. Perhaps his greatest national honor was that of serving as General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, from 1942-46. He was Grand Master of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor in 1949; Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine in 1943; Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites; Great Prior of the Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte, U.S.A. in 1952; and Grand Abbot of the Society of Blue Friars at the time of his death. He held almost 100 honorary memberships in Masonic groups stretching from France to the Philippines.

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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