Mount, William Sidney. (1807-1868) American artist, credited with being the first American-born artist to achieve widespread fame for the depiction of everyday life.
Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Stony Brook, August 5, 1842. To Benjamin F. Thompson (1784-1849), lawyer, politician, and historian of Long Island. Interesting letter in which Mount recommends that Thompson contact "Mr A.B. Durand, Amity Street, one of our best painters and engravers," who can suggest an artist to engrave his portrait for the second edition of History of Long Island. Mount suggests.
"...The best way will be for you to seek out some promising young artist that can draw and engrave well...J.W. Paradise, 110 Ames Street...is a good engraver. I saw a very fine portrait of the late William Dunlap, Esq. done by him. Have your portrait well done when it is done, or not at all. A well-engraved portrait of yourself will help to sell your work -- think of that. Respectfully yours, Wm. S. Mount." .
Clip stain at lower right, with faint water damage to up right corner, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $700-1,000.
