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Lot #303
Oliver Wolcott, Jr

Rare 1801 letter to Gilbert Stuart, concerning "the Portrait of Gen'l Washington"

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Estimate: $200+
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Description

Rare 1801 letter to Gilbert Stuart, concerning "the Portrait of Gen'l Washington"

ALS signed “Oliv. Wolcott,” one page, 7.25 x 9, February 26, 1801. Letter to noted early American painter Gilbert Stuart. In part: "On applying to the Treasurer…Mr. Chauncey Goodrich one of the Representatives of this State, is to pay you for the Portrait of Gen'l Washington. He is now at the Seat of Government…You will certainly receive the money, in a very few days after the first of March." Addressed on the integral address panel in Wolcott's hand to "Mr. G. Stuart, Portrait Painter, (Germantown), near Philadelphia." In fine condition. In 1800, the Connecticut General Assembly commissioned Stuart to paint a portrait of Washington to hang in the state's Senate chamber. Stuart finished the portrait in mid-February, and received his payment for $600 in early April. A remarkable letter to the foremost portraitist of the era concerning his most famous subject; one of Stuart's paintings of Washington has been featured on the one-dollar bill for over a century.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #500 - Ended May 10, 2017





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