ALS, one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, Nashville, January 4, 1821. Letter to the governor of Mississippi, George Poindexter. In part: “This will be handed to you by Mr. R. E. W. Earl a painter friend of mine…Mr. Earl is a gentleman of first rate acquirements the art of portrait painting…he has spent much time and labour on portraits of mine of full size, & is about to descend the river…with the intention of exhibiting them & afterwards selling them. I think you and the citizens of your state will be pleased with his performance. If so, I trust you will patronise him.” Intersecting folds with a few separations (one repaired), one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature, light overall toning, a pencil notation to the lower right corner of the reverse, and show-through from writing on opposing sides, otherwise very good condition. The painter Jackson recommends is Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl, who became known as the ‘Court Painter’ and ‘the King's painter’ during Jackson’s presidency. Many of Jackson’s most famous portraits—from his years as a general up through his presidency—were painted by Earl. He became close friends with the Jackson family early on, even marrying Jackson’s niece. However, she died during childbirth in 1820, after which Earl moved in with the Jackson family, who he followed to the White House and remained with until his death in 1838. A letter with excellent and unusual content associating politics with the world of art. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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