Lot 331

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Description:

John Ruskin ALS Mentioning His Utopian Community, the "St. George's Fund," with 2 Bonus Cartes de Visites

A small lot relating to British artist and art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900). The lot is comprised of an autograph letter signed by Ruskin; along with two period carte de visites. Accompanied by provenance material including a wrapper from John Wilson Autographs, Oxford, England and an original transmittal envelope.

The lot consists of:

1. A 1p autograph letter signed by Ruskin as "J Ruskin" near the center. Written in Venice, Italy on November 16, 1876 on bifold paper, slightly waxy in appearance and possibly tracing paper. The inner pages are blank. Expected paper folds and a few extra wrinkles. Unevenly toned edges. Else near fine. 5.25" x 8.5."

Ruskin wrote to an unknown recipient, in full:

"Nov. 16, 1876. Venice

My dear Sir,

I am sincerely obliged by your additional donation to the St. George's Fund, and shall avail myself of the permission to use your name. My absence from England has preventing [sic] me from acknowledging the favour of your letter sooner.

Believe me, sincerely yours,

J Ruskin"

Ruskin had established the Guild of St. George (whose official name went through several iterations through the 1870s) in 1871. Ruskin devised the Guild as an experimental utopian society where the working poor could escape urban poverty by "returning to the land." It was not just simply a collective farming community, however; Ruskin also prioritized the spiritual welfare of his "Companions" (as community members were called) by collecting artwork for their edification and enrichment. Ruskin's St. George communities sprung up in Worcestershire, North Yorkshire, Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Wales, primarily through land donations from wealthy benefactors. The Guild and its associated art gallery still operate today.

Ruskin felt a special artistic connection to Venice, visiting the city eleven times during his lifetime. In 1876-1877, Ruskin was in situ compiling more drawings and notes for an intended revision of his 3-volume study originally published in 1851-1853, "The Stones of Venice."

2. Two Elliott & Fry carte de visites depicting Ruskin, ca. 1860s. The sepia-colored albumen prints show Ruskin facing the camera and in profile, his clothing suggesting that the portraits were done at the same time. Each carte de visite features Ruskin's printed facsimile signature above "Elliott & Fry, / Copyright / 55, Baker St" printed along the bottom recto. A large "Elliott & Fry / 55, Baker Street / Portman Square / London / W" backstamp can be found verso. Expected wear including isolated speckling. Else very good. 2.5" x 4."

The photographic studio of Joseph John Elliott (1835-1903) and Clarence Edmund Fry (1840-1897) was established in 1863. Its first business address was indeed 55, Baker Street, London. Elliott & Fry specialized in the portraits of Victorian intellectuals; in addition to Ruskin, they photographed figures like Charles Darwin and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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