Description:

Samuel Clemens
various, ca. 1881-1883, 1896
Mark Twain's Illustrators: (4) Original Drawings & (1) ALS by Artists of 'Huckleberry Finn', 'Life on the Mississippi', & More!
Archive

A group of four original pen and ink drawings by artists best known for being commissioned to illustrate books written by Samuel Clemens. Ranging in date from 1881 to 1883, each measuring 6.75" x 8". The pages have been hand numbered in the top right margin, likely taken from a collector's personal album. Together with an autographed letter from Edward W. Kemble, illustrator of 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. Exhibits varying degrees of age toning and minor soiling throughout, with areas of marginal paper loss to one. Scattered handling smudges to some, not affecting contents. Otherwise, very good to near fine with lovely images.

The lot includes:

1.) John J. Harley (1840-1918) pen and ink illustration depicting two young girls in an outdoor setting, signed and dated April 18, 1882 in the lower left.

2.) Augustus B. Shute (1851-1906) 3/4 length image of a young woman clothed in a period dress and matching hat, signed and dated "A. B. Shute/ June 19 '83" at lower right.

3.) Frank T. Merrill (1848-1936) finely detailed illustration of a court jester bowing and holding their plumed hat, signed and dated October 1881 at lower right.

4.) Edmund H. Garrett (1853-1929) bookplate illustration depicting a winged cherub riding a chariot guided by three birds, accomplished in pencil with highlighting in pen and ink. Signed and dated February 1881 in the lower right.

5.) Edward W. Kemble (1861-1933) ALS signed "E. W. Kemble" in which he offers to send the recipient a sketch. 1p, measuring 5" x 8", New Rochelle, NY, April 10, 1896.

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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  • Dimensions: 6.75" x 8"
  • Medium: Archive

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
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University Archives

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