Description

Description: In this March 27, 1968 typed letter, American artist Rockwell Kent kindly expresses his sympathy at the news of his friend Dee-Dee’s accident “and its tragic consequence.” He says, “Realizing the effect it must have had upon yourself we write you as an embrace of heartfelt sympathy and to tell you that when you shall have recovered from your own hurts we will be hoping you will want to come and see us. Please do come—and be sure of a most understanding welcome.”

Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) was a prolific American artist and author, as well as a socialist political activist. He is best known for his book illustrations, particularly for editions of Moby Dick and the works of Shakespeare, as well as his own memoirs, in addition to his painted landscapes of the wilderness of Greenland, Tierra del Fuego, Alaska, Newfoundland, and Maine. He was very interested in politics and ran, unsuccessfully, for Congress in 1948. His socialist activism and connections to the Soviet Union affected his popularity as an artist and author and led to the revocation of his US passport (ultimately returned to him by the Supreme Court in 1958) and to his being awarded the USSR’s Lenin Peace Prize in 1967.

Kent informally signed “Rockwell” on an 8 ½” x 5 ½” sheet of Ausable Forks New York (the location of Kent’s home and studio, Asgaard Farms) imprinted stationery. Item #A01302

Condition: Mailing fold line, a few light spots at upper left blank corner, otherwise very good condition.