American artist (1843–1924) known primarily for his Tonalist paintings, especially scenes of the tidal wetlands of Nonquitt, Massachusetts. Five items: a semi-glossy 3.5 x 4.25 portrait of Sartain, affixed to its original 5 x 6 mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen, “With Christian regards, William Sartain”; three ALSs addressed to S. Louise Phelps, each signed in full, dated between 1883 and 1885; and a lengthy AQS on an off-white 6.25 x 8 sheet, signed at the conclusion in fountain pen, “William Sartain, the ‘Rembrandt’ May. 3. 84.” Sartain pens a quote from the Selected Letters and Journals of Lord Byron, in part: “’I know nothing of painting…and I detest it unless it reminds me of something I have seen or think it possible to see, for which reason I spit upon and abhor all the Saints and subjects of one half the impostures I see in the churches and palaces…Depend upon it—of all the arts it is the most artificial and unnatural and that by which the innocence of mankind is the most imposed upon. I never saw a painting or a statue which came a league within my conception or expectation.’” Slight toning and a few small tears and chips to edges of the AMS, a crease and scattered soiling to the photo, and expected mailing folds to the letters, otherwise overall fine condition. Accompanied by an original mailing envelope, addressed in his own hand. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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