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[GREGORY, LADY AUGUSTA, (1852 - 1932)
Poet, Playwright and Literary Figure]
Relevant to this correspondence is that in late 1911 a lost treasure was found in the discovery of a Velasquez portrait. The
piece had been acquired for auction by Bonhams. They have published the details of how the attribution was made, perhaps
the most prominent role being an Irish one - Dr Peter Cherry of TCD. This collection of documents also concerns attempts
to verify a Velasquez. The key role in this instance is that of Lady Gregory who has assembled professional opinions from the
leading experts, which she comments on in a detailed ALS to the owner of the painting, her brother in law, Mr A Waitman
of Moyne Park in Galway. The other letters (six ALSs) concern a painting, supposedly by the 17th-century Spanish artist
Velasquez - whether or not it is a Velasquez, the possibility of selling and exhibiting it and what it would fetch at sale. The
opinions of the experts vary. Henry Taylor of Christie Manson and Wood states that both he and Mr Wood of Christie’s consider
it to be an early work by Velasquez. Sir J. C. Robinson, Keeper of the Queens Antiquities, also writes that he considers it an
early work by Velasquez but that it doesn’t carry entire conviction. He thinks it would be a good idea to put it in an exhibition
so that it could be viewed by a wider audience. Alec Martin (Larkin?) Of Christie Manson and Wood is of the opinion that the
painting is not by Velasquez himself. Sir Frederick Burton, Director of the National Gallery, London, is unsure, but does not
think it is a very saleable picture. Claude Phillips, HM Surveyor of Pictures writes that he does not think that it is by Velasquez,
but that it is undoubtedly 17th century Spanish. These letters are all present and are obviously replies to Lady Gregory’s
enquiries. The letter from Lady Gregory to Mr Waitman discusses some of these opinions and the possibilities in selling and
exhibiting the picture. This extraordinary correspondence among experts is indicative of how works of art are attributed to
particular artists. The value here is in Lady Gregory’s central role and the prominence and reputations of those with whom she
was having the debate. A fascinating collection.
€200 - €300
803
O’CASEY, SEAN, (1880 -1964)
Playwright, ALS to a Mrs Barrett (USA). Autograph Letter Signed dated 9th June 1956 in which O’Casey says “…….. The
production of my play by the Abbey Theater (sic) in Paris was a fine success…………. My play showed only the work of
the Abbey T. of the long long ago.” And goes on “I have been very ill, but I think I am shaking off the shock of two serious
operations. Anyway, I can see the laburnum and the lilac blooming, and hear the brave birds sing.”
€200 - €300
804
ORPEN, SIR WILLIAM, (1878 - 1931)
Portrait, Genre and War Painter. ALS as to an unnamed correspondent, “you know me - with joy I submit myself as…… Houp
la! Voila! I return your envelope……… You can use it on some other Boob!”. 1 side eight vo, Hotel Majestic headed paper, 11th
June 1925.
€120 - €150
805
STEPHENS, JAMES, (1880 - 1951)
Irish Author of Fantasy. Autograph Caricature & Verse.The brief verse is in many ways as enigmatic as Stephens was. It
alludes to his career as a writer and how his pen gave him freedom in his life. The sketch also is presumably in some way
autobiographical and is Stephens’ view of himself.
€100 - €150
Lot 802
Lot 803
Lot 804
Lot 805