Kruell, Gustav

Proof portrait wood engraving of Harriet Beecher Stowe, and artist'sAutograph Letter, signed concerning it, with another engraving ofunidentified man

n.p, 1892 Gustav Kruell (1843-1907) was born in Germany and established himself as an engraver in Stuttgart. He came to the US in 1873, and quickly obtained commissions from the leading illustrated periodicals. He fell under the artistic influence of the famed engraver W.J. Linton, with the result that his portraits took on a clarity and liveliness uncommon in his day. His most famous work is probably the Lincoln of 1891; the following year he produced the superb Stowe portrait offered here (Stowe died in 1896). His Autograph Letter, signed, written from East Orange, NJ to J.R. Mitchel conveying the proof, reads, "Your favor enclosing check if $15.00 for Portrait of Beecher Stowe came to me today--I send the same by express with this. I hope the picture will not disappoint you for I sought for no effect but tried to make every one see into this great woman who could [be?] so calm in a time of greatest excitements as only a true woman can do. Very truly yours, G. Kruell." Also included is a fine 5 x 7 proof portrait of an unidentified man--both it and the Stowe portrait are signed in the plate and in pencil below. A SUPERB IMAGE AND ARTIST'S COMMENTARY (STOWE, HARRIET BEECHER) Stowe image 9-1/2 x 7-1/4 inches, 14 x 11 inches overall. . Stowe engraving with almost imperceptible tear without loss, others fine. Scribner's Magazine, February 1895, pp. 186-88

• USD 1,250.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: 43578

• bookseller: James Cummins Bookseller Inc. (USA)