Distinguished American architect (1853-1906) who was a leading figure of the 'Beaux Arts' movement. He was fatally shot and killed in the roof garden theatre of the Landmark by the husband of actress Evelyn Nesbit in retribution for a long-ago affair. Scarce TLS, one page, 7.5 x 9.75, McKim, Mead & White letterhead, September 20, 1898. Letter to American sculptor F. W. MacMonnies. In part: "I just received your letter of September 7th, stating that you had telegraphed me to know if the Arch pedestal was ready for putting up the Quadriga, but that you had not heard from me…I let you know this long ago, namely, that the Arch had been ready for the statuary since the beginning of July. The bronzes have been received, and I finally got permission to store them under the Arch, in order that a large bill for storage should not be rendered against you. They have fenced this off with an ugly wooden fence, and the Commissioners, as I cabled you, are getting very much annoyed as there is no sign of the work progressing." White adds a brief handwritten note at the closing, in part: "All well with me—I hope all is well with you." Double-matted and framed with a portrait of White to an overall size of 19.5 x 16. In fine condition.
This letter concerns the construction of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in Brooklyn, a monument dedicated to 'The Defenders of the Union, 1861-1865.' The impressive arch was designed by John H. Duncan and built over the course of three years from 1889 to 1892. When White's architectural firm was hired to overhaul the plaza in 1893, they recommended that sculptural elements be added to the arch. They commissioned MacMonnies to create three bronze groups, the most spectacular being the 'Quadriga' on top, portraying the winged goddess of victory between two trumpeting winged attendants. A highly uncommon example with superior architectural and artistic content.
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