Description:

James Hope
various, ca. 1849-1890
"James Hope Artist" Archive, 2 ALSs With Extraordinary Artistic Content, ca. 1849-1890, 15+ Pcs Total
Archive

An archive of autograph material and ephemera related to Captain James Hope (1819-1892), the Civil War veteran and accomplished artist. Ca. 1849-1890. Various locations including Glens Falls, Watkins Falls, and New York City. The archive is comprised of seven autograph letters signed, including two autograph letters signed by James Hope, both times as "J. Hope"; one autograph letter; three envelopes; one carte de visite; three printed religious pamphlets; and six early 20th C. postcards showing geological and hydrological marvels in and around Watkins Falls. On various paper mounts with expected condition issues including flattened transmittal folds, toning, wrinkles, etc. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good. The largest letter measures 7.75" x 9.875."

James Hope was a portrait, landscape, and military artist whose works depicting natural landmarks at Watkins Glen, New York are some of the most famous. Hope managed a studio and art gallery in Watkins Glen between 1872 and his death in 1892. During his earlier career, Hope was very much a struggling artist. He served in the 2nd Vermont Infantry during the Civil War as a mapmaker, scout, and battlefield artist.

The keystone of the archive is the two autograph letters signed by James Hope, both dated 1855 and addressed to his wife Julia Smith Hope (1820-1906). These letters contain great artistic content, especially the second letter, in which Hope recounts finishing up a painting entitled "Flower Girl" in an epic rhyming poem!

The lot includes:

1. A 2pp autograph letter signed by James Hope as "J. Hope." August 18, 1855. Glens Falls, New York. Addressed to wife Julia Smith Hope. After recounting how much he spent on the services of a domestic named Eliza, and giving instructions on how to make blackberry wine, Hope writes in part: "I am prospering finely on my picture."

2. A 4pp autograph letter signed by James Hope as "J. Hope." December 20-24, 1855. New York, New York. Addressed to wife Julia Smith Hope. The majority of this lengthy letter penned in minuscule handwriting is fully rhyming, making a thoroughly entertaining way for Hope to tell his wife about his day.

December 20, 1855:

"The effects of my pencil this day, have not been in vain, another such! and my little 'flower girl' will have her stock completed for market. But my taste for this day, at the easel, is done…"

December 21, 1855, with unchanged spelling:

"To me, to day has brought nothing uncommon by the way of calls, neither man nor woman; but I've sat in my studie all alone, painting and thinking of you at home: and I've done every touch of the Flower Girl up, to the last rose leaf and the butter cup; five minute glazing when its dry as a bone, will bring it all to its proper tone. Now only think! what's finished and sold, and ready to go when they bring the gold; amounts to five hundred, fifty and two; a convenient sum between me and you; And one that would lighten a part of the debt, that is dragging so heavy and making me fret…"

Also included, in chronological order:

3. A 3pp autograph letter with integral address leaf signed by Moses McArthur addressed to Mary Stanson of Baldwinsville, New York. Written on October 15, 1849 from Bellona Arsenal. Regarding the sudden death of Moses's wife Martha. Unclear relationship to Hope.

4. A 1p autograph letter signed by a satisfied customer, M.M. Miller, thanking Hope for delivering his painting. September 13, 1879. In part: "I received the picture yesterday afternoon. It is a gem that we shall prize."

5. A 1p autograph letter, with transmittal envelope, dated October 30, 1880 from Watkins, New York, addressed to James Hope from unknown correspondent concerning the future of the Democratic Party and Generals George B. McClellan and Winfield Scott Hancock. Moderate loss to corners from mouse.

6. A 2pp autograph letter signed by A.J. Fennel, addressed to "James Hope Artist." April 3, 1890. "Glen's Falls." In part: "I do not know whether you continue to wield the brush, but probably you cannot occupying yourself somewhat in that way…"

7. A 1p autograph letter, with transmittal envelope, signed by W.C. Witherbee and addressed to James Hope. June 19, 1890. Port Henry, New York. Regarding business matters.

8. A 2pp partial autograph letter signed by "Henry A. Th." and addressed to James Hope. N.d., n.p. In part: "…yet I know a good photo when I see it, as well as a good painting, from a trashy production…"

Along with:

- A carte de visite photograph of James Hope

- Three printed religious pamphlets including one inscribed "Julia Adelaide Hope / Married Marc 30 1868." Scattered stains and weathering. One page is detached but included.

- Six early 20th C. black and white postcards depicting New York natural landmarks including Curtain Cascade, Cavern Cascade, Triple Cascade, Rainbow Falls, Lucifer Falls, and Minnehaha Falls.

- A blank envelope containing a tricolored ribbon. Unclear relationship to Hope.

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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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