Description:

Ralph Waldo Emerson
London, England, July 1, [1848]
Ralph Waldo Emerson ALS: London Art Touring, Hunterian Museum & Turner's Studio
ALS

An autograph letter signed by Ralph Waldo Emerson during a London tour. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 4.5" x 7.25", [London], dated "Saturday" July 1, [1848]. The front half of Emerson's signature is faded, so only "Emerson" is visibly signed. Addressed to Edwin Wilkins Field. Emerson turns down an invitation and discusses a recent trip to the Hunterian Museum and Turner's studio. With flattened mail folds and some creasing to the corners. Dampstaining at the lower half has caused fading and loss to a moderate amount of text. Soiling along the bottom edge. Boldly signed, but as mentioned, only "Emerson" is legible.

Reading in part:
"No, I shall have no Monday evening free, I fear, to see works of ancient masters as you my living [British] masters quite [illegible] these days; [I think it] safest to return the ticket with thanks. Mr. Richard Owen who yesterday showed me his Hunterian museum carried me afterwards to the House of Turner whom, he told me, he knew intimately, & whom I should see. I went gladly, strong in my lessons [illegible] day, [illegible] escaped. We [spent] hours in his gallery and studies all the pictures. I found myself well prepared for them by Mr. Windus's Gallery. If you do not come & see me I shall come to see you."

From 1847-48, Emerson toured the British Isles. The events of this letter are recorded in his journal, dated June 26, 1848: "I went with Edwin Field and Mr. Stanfield and his son to the house of Mr. Windus, Tottenham, to see his collection of Turner's pictures and drawings of which altogether he may have a hundred. This gallery was that in which Ruskin had studied. It is quiet necessary to see all these pictures to appreciate the genius of Turner through his extravagances. Mr. Owen invited Hillard and myself to inspect the Hunterian (John Hunter) Museum of which he is the Curator. Afterwards, he would carry us to Turner, the artist, who is his friend…" Emerson's later 1856 book "English Traits" is based largely on observations recorded in his travel journals and notebooks.

Sir Richard Owen (1804-1892) was an English biologist, comparative anatomist and paleontologist. Owen is generally considered to have been an outstanding naturalist with a remarkable gift for interpreting fossils. In 1827, he was named assistant curator at the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. Working under museum conservator (and his future father-in-law) William Clift, Owen was put in charge of the Hunterian Collection, a vast assemblage of human and animal specimens that Scottish surgeon-scientist John Hunter had gathered during his lifetime. In 1836, Owen was named Hunterian Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology, and in 1842, the year he became joint conservator of the Hunterian Museum. Seven years later, in 1849, he succeeded William Clift as conservator of the Hunterian Museum.

Edwin Wilkins Field (1804-1871) was a British lawyer and amateur painter who committed much of his life to law reform. He was also a lover or art and sought to promote the work of artists. In 1862, he became a member of the committee of the fine art section of the International Exhibition, and in 1868, he took a leading part in developing the Slade School of Art (opened 1871).

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: 4.5" x 7.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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