Description

Description: On March 1, 1921, in this auograph letter signed, Fred Wagner writes to "Mr. Folsom" – almost certainly Arthur H. Folsom, who had New York City gallery space in the early 20th Century focused on impressionism and other "modern" styles.

Wagner wrote, "I am taking the liberty of sending you a small Box of unmounted Water-Colors and pastels, xpress/prepaid, to look them over with the view of selecting some to have in your Galleries for sale. You may remember some years ago you were interested in some of New York and had them at your place for a while. I have since sold them. I would like to get a market for this kind of work in N.Y. City. The Memorial Art Gallery Rochester gave me an Exhibition of Pastels about 2 dozen and sold Eight. hoping you will find them interesting I remain yours Truly Fred Wagner."

Written on two pages (just the recto of each of two sheets) of Philadelphia Sketch Club letterhead, which measures approximately 8.5" x 5.5". Wagner was a member of the Sketch Club for more than 40 years, and was its Vice President in 1923. The signature is very clearly written. Item #A00988

Frederick R. Wagner (1860-1940) was an American impressionist painter and pastel artist. From suburban Philadelphia, he began studying with Thomas Eakins at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1878. He began teaching just four years later, and exhibited his artwork throughout his life. Among the most notable of his showings, he had two paintings in 1913’s Armory Show in New York – considered to be the first major exhibition of Modern Art in the US.

Condition: Each of the sheets has a set of two small, matching holes that do not affect the text – likely from a letter spike. Otherwise in very good condition, and it would be very easy to make a nice display with this letter.