Lot 309
Thos. Sully Paints President Polk's Portrait. Each letter is moderately age-toned, otherwise fine. (1783-1872) American portrait painter.
Two Autograph Letters Signed. Lot of Two related Autograph Letters Signed, described as follows:
A. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Philadelphia, June 13, 1847. To J.Y.Mason. Businesslike letter concerning a Presidential portrait the artist has been commissioned to execute. He writes: "…I addressed a letter to you at Chapel Hill with particulars concerning the portrait which I am painting of the President and you. It would be well to have them framed here, and I should be glad to learn if that is resolved; and which of the three kinds of Frames which I sent a list of is chosen…" In a postscript Sully relates the costs for each of the three types of frame. The addressee, John Young Mason, had served in President Tyler's cabinet as Secretary of the Navy, and continued on in this position after being reappointed by President Polk.
B. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Philadelphia, June 18, 1847. This letter, also to Mason, gives a progress report on the status of Sully's Presidential portrait: "…I have finished the portraits of the President and Secretary Mason; and shall forward them to Chapel Hill next Monday. I would be much gratified to be enabled to address each portrait to the proper Society; and to know the best route for their conveyance to Chapel Hill. They will be sent without frames, as none were ordered. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant Thos Sully." With a three line holograph postscript mentioning travel plans, initialed "TS." On the verso of this second letter, its recipient Secretary Mason has docketed the letter as follows: "Unofficial: Ans[wer] that the Societies prefer the 40 dollar frames - keep the portraits open, until the President visits Pha [Philadelphia] - then box them up, and send them to me with your bill. J.Y.M." .
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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