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Start Over Places Dedham (Mass.) Subjects Van Ramst, Cornelius W.

Alvan Fisher to Charles H. Hall, Esquire 1 folded leaf Box SC-33 Box 1, Folder Folder 1, Item SC33.01.0.006

Transcription: PAID Charles H. Hall Esqre Newyork Care Thos H. Smith Boston Alvan Fisher May 5th, 1823 Recd 7th [?] Dedham May 5th 1823 Charles H. Hall Esqre Dear Sir, When I was in Newyork you observed that you thot it probable that I might dispose of some portraits of "Eclipse" should I paint them. I have completed four pictures of him in a superior Style. and I think from the best of my recollections of the horse, one better likeness's than the one I brot on from Newyork to copy from - both in respect to form and colour. I may be mistaken in these respects, but think not in point of finish. the Animal is much better than the one I have - as a guide - I have been continually engaged on them since my arrival home - and have very [?] done from. I am now engaged on one other for Mr Van Ramst. Shall aslo if possible finish one of Bassora before your races commence. I shall be disposed to sell the portraits at fifty dollars each. which is very low for a single picture - Lower than I can well paint them for. If you now think I could effect a sale of them I would send them - or If there was a fair prospect of obtaining business - even enough to defray my expenses to Newyork. I would certainly visit your city as I wish very much to be present at the races. Your opinion on this subject will have much influence in determining me with regard to visiting Nyork or sending my Pictures. I beg you will excuse me for troubling you respecting my business. I certainly should not have done so, If I had not had proof on proof that you were friendly disposed towards me, and the Arts, or If I had any other person in Newyork to whom I could write. I have not heard what horse is to run against Eclipse. I should much like to know. Please to make my compliments acceptable to Mrs Hall – and your brother – I am Sir, respectfully yours Alvan Fisher

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Alvan Fisher Personal Papers (SC-33)
  3. Series 1: Correspondence
  4. Box 1, Folder 1

Alvan Fisher to Charles H. Hall, Esquire 1 folded leaf Box SC-33 Box 1, Folder Folder 1, Item SC33.01.0.007

Transcription: PAID Charles H. Hall Esqre Newyork Care of Thos. H. Smith Boston Alvan Fisher. May 15th 1823. Recd 17th Dedham 15th May 1823 Chas H. Hall Esqre Sir, your much esteem'd and most friendly letter of the - just has been recei'd. Your kind offer to aid me in the disposal of my paintings lays me under additional obligations, and altho my situation in life perhap will never furnish me with the opportunity to make you any return for your many friendly acts, yet the will all be remembered with gratitude and pleasure. I have as you recommended, sent four portraits of ""Eclipse"" to Newyork for the Steam Boat which will arrive in Nyork on Sunday next. I have directed them to your care. In so doing I hope that you will not think me too presuming. In truth I feel as If I was intruding too much on your kind disposition. Respecting the horses, I will say that on comparing them with the one I brot on with me I think them improved in several respects - viz colour, general form. The width of breast hoch – standing - of the fore leggs - in particular. [?] In all these however I may be wrong. for memory is not always faithful. Yet on it I have depended for the alterations I have made. I hope that you will find them better in those parts mentioned. I am now engaged on a portrait of Eclipse for Mr. Van Ramst. which I shall carry with me when I come on to the races. I shall also return Mr Lynch's picture - I shall be in Newyork on Thursday next or this day a week - and shall come prepared to stay sometime or not as circumstances may incline me. We have numerous stories respecting the horses that are to run against Eclipse. The races produce considerable excitement and many from this part of the country will visit them. The pictures I am disposed to sell on the best terms that can be obtained, tho, I think pictures of the size and Labour that is in them ought to command fifty dollars at the least sum - yet rather than not sell should be disposed to take a trifle less. Indeed the Labour bestowd on such pictures will not warrant me in painting pictures at that price. Please to remember me to Mrs. Hall and your brother I am [?] Sir, respectfully yours [?] Alvan Fisher

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Alvan Fisher Personal Papers (SC-33)
  3. Series 1: Correspondence
  4. Box 1, Folder 1

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