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Lot #441
Gutzon Borglum Typed Letter Signed, Proposing a Statue of Thomas Paine

"I advise twelve foot bronze figure for Thomas Paine with marble base would cost fifteen thousand"

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Description

"I advise twelve foot bronze figure for Thomas Paine with marble base would cost fifteen thousand"

TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Mount Rushmore National Memorial Commission letterhead, October 25, 1932. Letter to Curtis Freshel, concerning a proposed bronze of Thomas Paine. In part: "If you want a statue of Paine made for the Fair, it will have to be put in hand at once. Those things should not be done over the week-end and I take only work I can personally carry through. I want a Paine's account to do his statue. If you are in earnest about this, let me hear fully. I have, as you know, a fair cut, you gave or loaned me years ago." In fine condition, with a minor crease near the bottom edge. Accompanied by a telegram from Borglum on the same subject, dated October 21, 1932, in part: "I advise twelve foot bronze figure for Thomas Paine with marble base would cost fifteen thousand stop can make nine foot figure with marble base for twelve thousand stop if statue is for Chicago Fair the bronze figure only is needed…marble base could be ordered later." Although it seems that this particular project was not completed, Borglum did sculpt a statue of Thomas Paine, erected in Paris just before the outbreak of World War II and formally dedicated in 1948.

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