Author: SARTAIN, John (1808-97)
Title: Autograph Quotation Signed
Description: This London-born American artist was an important and prolific engraver of book illustrations and banknotes, and pioneered the use of mezzotint engravings. AQS, 1p, 6 3/4" X 3 3/4", n.p. 1878 August 7. Near fine. On a lined slip, Sartain handsomely pens a six-line poem titled "Lines for my Library," which reads as follows: "Health, industry, content, prints, pictures, books, / And friends to share them with in cozy nooks. / Leading a tranquil life in thoughtful joy, / Exempt from envy, greed, or care's alloy; / Still ready here on earth to act any part, / Or with death's Angel cheerfully depart." Boldly signed and dated at the conclusion. A charming piece with appropriate mention of that around which Sartain's life revolved: "prints, pictures, books." Whether this stanza was ever published has not been determined. Accompanied by a modern 8½" X 11" reproduction of line drawing head-and-shoulders portrait of Sartain later in life. .

Keywords: Art & Architecture


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