English painter and gallery director (1793–1865) famous for his portrait of Napoleon among other historical and biblical paintings. ALS signed “C. L. Eastlake,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, July 21, 1844. Letter to art journalist Samuel Carter Hall. In part: “You do me great honor by your flattering proposal…I cannot promise to you even the short time necessary for sitting before April. I have been just giving up several weeks to the fresco work in the Garden of Buckingham Palace. I have now finished my portion & am anxious…to try to get something done for the Exhibition.” Hall wrote a note on the second integral page, initialed “S.C.H.,” in full: “An answer to my request that Mr. Eastlake would sit for his portrait to be engraved in the A.N.” In fine condition, with some trivial foxing. RR Auction COA.
