Description:

Thomas Gainsborough 3rd Person ALS Possibly Addressed to Fellow Artist Richard Cosway

A piece of paper signed in the third person by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), the preeminent British portrait painter, as "Mr Gainsborough" in the first line. N.d. except "Sat. morng." N.p. The paper fragment has been laid down upon a paper mount verso. Expected paper folds and light weathering, else very good to near fine. 7.125" x 4." Accompanied by a souvenir stamp block of stamps from Kathiri State of Seiyun, South Arabia depicting one of Gainsborough's most iconic works, "The Blue Boy" (ca. 1770). Provenance: Ex-Noel Goldblatt (ca. 1926-2003) of the famous Goldblatt's Department Store, to a prominent Los Angeles, California collector.

Gainsborough wrote the following cryptic message to one Mr. Cosway, who may have been fellow British painter Richard Cosway (1742-1821):

"Mr Gainsborough presents his Compliments to Mr Cosway; and as he find there has been a loss of Iron betwixt us, he begs in case it must be repair'd with Gold or silver, that he may be permitted to share the expence [sic] with Mr Cosway.

Sat. morng."

This epistle appears to be classically eighteenth-century in its language, form, and style: meaning is conveyed cleverly, in a mode then fashionable, in order to demonstrates one's education, intelligence, or "wit."

Gainsborough's implications for "Gold and silver" appear clear enough--money--but the import of "Iron" is more open to interpretation. Does that refer to a writing instrument? A drinking flagon? A paintbrush? Is Gainsborough's letter lamenting how the pair have not written to each other frequently, or socialized together, or worked together? Is this distressing fact treated by Gainsborough flippantly instead of sincerely, for comedic effect? If the former, then Gainsborough is insinuating that he would pay money in order to spend more time in Mr. Cosway's company!

A very intriguing letter with possible connections to Richard Cosway, who was also a respected painter of the British and French aristocracy. Gainsborough and Cosway were both members of the Royal Academy of Arts. Gainsborough was one of the institution's original founding members from 1768, while Cosway was elected and invested with full membership in March 1771.

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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