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English water-color painter (1783–1852). ALS in French, signed 'S. Prout,' four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7.25, no date. Prout laments the death of a friend to Mr. J. Henderson. In part (translated): 'Last week my valued medical friend Doc Young, whom you met in my room—universally beloved and respected, fell victim to this fearful epidemic in its most fearful asiatic form. This morn’g I was one of the mourners to have the poor body in the tomb, ‘til we meet at the fathering of countless multitudes at the final judgment and solemn crisis. Seldom has there been such a procession of mourners followed by 15 carriages of the respect entertained for the deceased. Every house on Denmark Hill and every shop in the village was closed…This is a sad gap in our little circle. He had collected with good taste, an extensive number of most valuable draw’gs by the old masters, also rare prints—pictures, bronzes, etc…Like yourself he collected treasures of art, with the desire and always ready to contribute to the enjoyment of others…Your new Guardi I have not see, and woe is me that a dog at my heels has prevented my seeing your valuables. I may only dream the enjoyment you offer, and indulge imagination.' In fine condition, with intersecting folds.
Prout’s ability to paint a vivid scene did not end with the brush; he was just as accomplished with the written word, as evidenced by this poignant letter concerning the passing of a physician friend. Like his street scene paintings, which expertly reproduced quaint sculptured pieces of stone or antique gables, Prout here verbally recounts taking his friend to his tomb. The reader can easily envision the procession of mourners and carriages, and the closed shops of Denmark as people bid farewell, all while seeing a future meeting 'of countless multitudes at the final judgment and solemn crisis.' A ‘picturesque’ letter from one of the world’s great artists. RRAuction COA.
