Extraordinarily rare ALS, one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8.5 x 13.25, Luxor, Egypt, May 24, 1900. Letter to his mother, “Dear Mater.” In part: “I am so glad you are enjoying yourself & all—yes your letter found me in my establishment, but tomorrow I must leave it again…With my new 6/- camera I can perhaps illustrate my letters when I can make time—Here are a few snaps from ‘Carter Castle’ to start with. [Affixed photo of a flock of pigeons]. ‘My Play Mates & Messy Mates’—It’s a wonder the cook did not put his face out the door at the time—that exactly opposite you being the kitchen. The pigeon on the right of the post, on top, is a particular kind, & makes or rather has mournful note different to ordinary pigeons. Here is their mansion, in which, eggs are laid & quarrels occur…The ladder is for the small ones whose flight is not yet perfect. [Affixed photo of a birdhouse with ladder]. [Affixed photo of trees]. This is not unsightly—but an important corner in my abode…The Nile has risen…between me & Luxor is one sheet of water. Though yesterday was hot the weather is much cooler & I am now…ready for seeding & am imagining in different plots, peas, beans, cabbages, etc…I am looking forward to those seeds.” Carter has signed in full at the conclusion, “Howard Carter,” and then scribbled out his last name—likely to make it more informal. In a brief postscript, Carter has penned a poem: “Hugs to the aunts / Kicks to the cat / Steal an apple from the garden / & see what they say to that.” Each affixed photo measures 2.25 x 2.25. Intersecting folds, most with partial tape-repaired separations, areas of toning due to affixed tape, light scattered foxing, and a few light creases to corners, otherwise very good condition.
Through the mid-1890s, Howard Carter honed his skills as an excavator and site manager, as well as an illustrator and photographer. At the start of 1900, the twenty-six-year-old was appointed Chief Inspector of Antiquities to the Egyptian Government, responsible for the conservation, protection and regulation of antiquities and archaeological excavations in Upper Egypt. He transferred to Lower Egypt four years later but resigned shortly after, supporting himself as an artist and illustrator for the next four years before joining Lord Carnarvon’s expedition at Thebes in 1909. This letter, written as Chief Inspector from his headquarters at Luxor, is extraordinary in its mentions of the Nile alongside his personal affixed photography. A magnificent and incredibly scarce piece from the archaeologist who would make the discovery of a lifetime two decades later. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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