Description

Description: On January 16, 1912, William Sartain dashed off a quick but still fairly wide-ranging postcard to his friend, Harold Van Santvoord, discussing literature, Sartain’s newest painting, health, the weather, and an upcoming visit by Van Santvoord – at which time the pair plans to visit the Met: 

"Yours recd. I have read with great interest (as a picture of the times) Fielding’s "Voyage to Lisbon" Nothing at hand to read just now. I read "Pride & Prejudice" years ago & have absolutely forgotten it. I have just commenced a portrait of a lady – a show card – not an order. I shall be in Friday afternoon. Am not sure I would be free Sat. am. But on Sundary afternoon would be free & glad to go up to the Metropolitan Museum. I will know about Sat am by the time you come on. I am rapidly getting perfectly normal – My post Christmas illness was of more consequence than I had imagined. I hope we will have fair weather for your visit to N.Y. I think the chances for it are strong – as this cannot last long." He signs, "Hastily, W. Sartain."

American artist William Sartain (1843-1924) initially trained as an engraver with his father and brother, then studied painting in Paris for several years. Upon his return to the US, he painted at his New York studio and taught at both the Art Students League in New York and at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. His work is in the collections of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, U.S. Capitol, and National Museum of American Art.

Written on a blank postcard, measuring approximately 5.5" x 3.25". Pre-paid 1 cent postage showing an image of McKinley in red, with a cancellation in black ink showing it was mailed at 12:30 pm the day it was written, from "Sta. G." in New York City. Item #A00984.

Condition: Light, patchy toning; light smudge to the end of "Hastily" and the W. in the signature. Otherwise in good condition.