Pioneering and influential American-born artist (1834–1903), best known for his distinctively evocative portraits, city- and landscapes, and the “Arrangement in Gray and Black,” aka “Whistler’s Mother.” ALS signed with his distinctive drawn “butterfly” signature, two pages both sides, 6 x 3.75, black-bordered stationery, May 1899. The artist writes to “Hermann[?],” a friend. In part: “Well then that’s all right—I have had a letter from Webb to the same effect—advising me to let it alone. Also I had myself … thinking that perhaps one might to ignore utterly the … ‘ruffians’ of the street…. Another question, unanswered—How many copies Edition de luxe is May to give me? Get a copy of the catalogue of the ‘International Exhibition’—latest edition, and see my quotations under the pictures…. The butterflies have come. Of course the Baronet must have given up all hope of prosecution…. I daresay Thomson may have known something of the notion of the book in the Globe….” In very good condition, with a touch of mild soiling, intersecting mailing folds, and wear and minor chipping to edges. R&R COA.
