Description

Description: American sculptor Lorado Taft (1860-1936) boldly signed this brief typed note that reads: “Dear Mr. Beach:- I appreciated very much your kind note. Such words are very heartening. Cordially yours,”.

Taft studied sculpture in Paris at the famous École des Beaux-Arts, studying with Augustin Dumont, Jean-Marie Bonnassieux, and Jules Thomas. He exhibited twice in the Paris Salons while living in Europe. Taft lived in Chicago when he returned to the United States, where he taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago until 1929. His Midway Studios, located near the University of Chicago campus, became a National Historic Landmark in 1965. He is best remembered for his public fountains…The Fountain of Time in Chicago, Columbus Fountain in Washington, D.C., etc.

Printed on a 6 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ sheet of “The Midway Studios 6016 Ingleside Avenue Chicago” imprinted stationery. Included with the note is a real-photo postcard of one of Taft’s works: The Eternal Indian or Black Hawk Statue (1908-1911) in Lowden State park, Oregon, Illinois. This sculpture stands 48 feet high and is said by the artist to represent the unconquerable spirit of Native Americans. Item #A01458

Condition: The letter had been in an album with “sticky” pages and has toned lines on verso and minimally on recto. The postcard was resting against it and has left a lightly toned rectangle. Generally good condition with a large, clear signature.