American artist (1861–1909) best known for his paintings and sculptures of the American West, and for his depictions of cowboy life in particular. ALS, one page both sides, 4.75 x 6.5, Ingleneuk letterhead, no date. Letter to his friend, Howard Pyle. In full: “Your letter about Dr. Lesinsky came here to my summer camp. I have met him—he has been to see me and he is probably just what he represents himself to be. I have had trouble with Hebrew art dealers of a small & cheap class. I don’t want them to handle my stuff at all. They are overreaching and get me into trouble. I have to know people pretty well, else I may foolishly suspect that they are going to use me in their business. If I am sure of my man I feel just as you do about giving them what are called ‘artist prices’—but I want to be sure they are going to treasure the work and put it on the market at a nice advance. This may not be the case of Dr. L. at all but since we both only know what he chooses to tell, why I reserve judgement. Should like to meet you once in a coon’s age.” Letter has been removably encapsulated in acid free Mylar. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold and a staple hole to top left.
In this stunning letter, the great artist offers a firsthand account of his art and his tribulations with art dealers. Pyle, this letter’s recipient, was an illustrator and writer whose work regularly appeared in various magazines, including Harper's Weekly. In 1894, that publication ran Poultney Bigelow’s article, entitled ‘The Russian and His Jew,’ that examined the repressive regime of Russia’s Tsar Nicholas—and was written with an anti-Semitic slant. That piece was illustrated by Remington, and though, in historical hindsight, the accusation lodged by Bigelow were proven to be unfounded, it may have tainted the artist’s opinion—or perhaps merely revealed a previously hidden mentality—and resulted in such a shockingly misguided generalization as “I have had trouble with Hebrew art dealers of a small & cheap class. I don’t want them to handle my stuff at all.” A startling look into the mindset of an otherwise intelligent man. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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