Bartholdi Frederic

Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, Statue of Liberty Sculptor, ALS About the Philadelphia Exposition

1p ALS inscribed in French and signed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) as "ABartholdi" at bottom of first page. On bifold customized stationery with red stylized "AB" appearing at top of first page. The remaining pages are blank, except for the stamp "Autograph Collection of Dr. Max Thorek, Chicago" on the third page. In near fine condition, with expected light paper folds. Slight mounting traces verso. Page measures 4.125" x 5.125".

On February 18, 1880, Bartholdi wrote a thank you note to an unknown male correspondent:

"Sir,

I thank you very much for an advance look at your excellent article on the tendencies of a large part of the modern Italian School. I send you a supporting extract which I have written on the Philadelphia Exposition. I wrote an essay on the same subject.

With my thanks and the expression of my warmest feelings,

ABartholdi".

Bartholdi mentioned writing about the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, an event that he attended and actively participated in it. The intrepid French sculptor had traveled to the United States with the most iconic part of his Statue of Liberty--her completed 42' high right arm bearing a torch. Bartholdi hoped that displaying a part of his monumental work in progress would promote fundraising. The torch-bearing arm caused a sensation, and nearly ten million visitors scaled it during the 7-month-long fair.

Another of Bartholdi's works was also on display at the Philadelphia Exposition, his magnificent cast-iron and bronze "Fountain of Light and Water." This 30' high outdoor fountain featured 3 Statue of Liberty inspired Classical figures at its center balancing tiered water basins encircled by gas lamps. It was later purchased by the U.S. Congress and can be seen today in Washington, DC.

Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi studied painting, sculpture, and architecture under well-known instructors like Viollet-le-Duc in Paris. Following his service in the Franco-Prussian War, Bartholdi became increasingly interested in sculpting monumental works celebrating resistance against oppression, and Enlightenment ideals like Freedom. Bartholdi later conceived of the design of the “Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.” The fundraising phase of this process would take years, and indeed long surpass the actual 100th anniversary of the United States. Yet once it was installed in 1886, the massive 151-ft tall copper-clad sculpture of a standing woman would fundamentally change the cityscape.

This letter came from the Autograph Collection of Dr. Max Thorek (1880-1960), a Hungarian-American doctor, surgeon, and co-founder of a still-operating Chicago hospital. In addition to his medical interests, Thorek was an amateur photographer and autograph collector.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.