art, architecture, and design 710. Audubon: Virginia Rail Lithograph. Original hand-colored lithograph from The Birds of America series by John James Audubon, 25.75 x 20.25, double elephant folio edition, issued as Plate CCV, No. 41, entitled “Virginia Rail, Rallus Virginianus,” which depicts three birds: a male hunting an insect, a female wading into water, and a juvenile with autumnal plumage. Captions to lower left and right corners read: “Drawn from Nature by J. J. Audubon, F.R.S. F.L.S.” and “Engraved, Printed, & Colored, by R. Havell, 1834.” Matted to an overall size of 28 x 22.5. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing and toning. Starting Bid $200
712. Jacques-Louis David Autograph Letter Signed.
French painter (1748–1825) and master of the Neoclassical style whose most famous works include ‘The Death of Marat’ and several portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte. ALS in French, signed “David,” one page, 4.5 x 6.75, no date. Handwritten letter by Jacques-Louis David to his to his employee Dubois. The greatest and most powerful of Napoleon’s artists gives instructions to his assistant on the manner by which he desires the interior of his house to be repainted. In part (translated): “I would like my dear Dubois to have the staircase and different rooms repainted in my house in the Rue du Cocq, but I think that some small freezings could still occur and that could cause some bad work because the glue would be eaten and then the colors would detach themselves from the wall.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
714. Juan Gris Autograph Letter Signed. Spanish
painter and sculptor (1887–1927) associated with Cubism. Scarce ALS in French, one page, 5 x 8, February 2, 1920. Letter to influential art critic Louis Vauxcelles, who is credited with coining the terms ‘Fauvism’ and ‘Cubism.’ In part (translated): “Having to face not only the indifference, but I would even say the injustice of the press in general toward me, your attitude on my behalf touches me and your present sympathy is a great encouragement. I would be all too happy to see you to speak with you about artistic things.” In fine condition, with a rough top edge. An important letter associating a then-unrecognized artist with a major critic. Starting Bid $200
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