Important American photographer (1864–1946) who played an instrumental role in developing the craft as a legitimate art form. Very uncommon ALS signed “Stieglitz,” two onionskin pages, 8.5 x 11, August 4, 1939. Letter to painter Louis Eilshemius. In full: “I’m ever aware of you & your agonizing sufferings, and my deepest sympathies are with you. But it does not help the actual torture. And yet I hope it may help a bit for a moment if for no longer. It’s amazing what the human can endure—and seemingly must endure—at least seem to have drawn such a lot—I’m still in town & here at The Place & have no idea when & if I’ll get away—But so it be.” In fine condition, with small toned areas of adhesive remnants to corners. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Stieglitz’s hand. The Place was a gallery that Stieglitz opened in 1929, where he held exhibitions of artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Eilshemius was an eccentric painter who, after hostile criticism of his first solo exhibition in 1920, gave up painting all together, despite the support of the likes of Duchamp, Matisse, and Stieglitz. In 1931 he began to call himself ‘Mahatma’—just as this letter is addressed—and became increasingly reclusive until he passed away in 1941. Steiglitz is extremely scarce in any form—this is just the fifth item we have ever offered—and this association between artists makes it particularly desirable. RR Auction COA.
