Description:

John Jacob Astor III
Geneva, Switzerland, August 29, 1877
John Jacob Astor III writes artist Henry A. Ferguson: "…I shall…remember many beauties of art and nature"
ALS
An autograph letter signed of financier John Jacob Astor, III, penned on his gilt-accented monogrammed mourning letterhead, 4pp. measuring 5" x 8", Geneva, Switzerland, August 29, 1877. Astor writes an emotive letter Henry A. Ferguson, possibly the Hudson School landscape painter. Darkening to top left corner and a couple of fold tears at margins, overall very good. Offered with the original transmittal cover from which the postage has been excised.

In part: "…I cannot tell you how intensely disgusted I was, on my arrival here this afternoon, not receiving your letter, and learning that we had been so near each other for a week, without meeting. My visit to Venice, was a most agreeable one for me, but I dined alone four days out my week, when it would have made it delightful for me, to have had you with me…After leaving Venice, I went to Bologna & Florence, & then turned north stopping at Genoa, Milan, Como & Lurin, & last evening found myself out of Italy…". Astor complains of the inadequacies of his wardrobe, but brightens: "…I shall forget all the discomfort & remember many beauties of art and nature that are most compensating. I found letters here today from Mrs. Astor & Willy, both are well…".

Henry Augustus Ferguson (c. 1842-1911) was a painter of the acclaimed Hudson Valley School, working in both watercolors and oils. He spent much of the 1870s working abroad, and towards the end of the decade split his time between Cairo and Venice.

Among other things, John Jacob Astor III (1822-1890) is remembered for his commitment to the arts and, in 1887, presented a substantial bequest to the Metropolitan Museum of Art along with his wife's collection of valuable laces.

Astor was a member of the fabled Astor family of businessmen and financiers and eldest son of William Backhouse Astor Sr. (1792-1875). The wealthiest family member of his generation, he also served in the Union Army during the Civil War, attaining the rank of brevet brigadier general. After the war, he returned to focus on the management of Manhattan real estate.

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.

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  • Dimensions: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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