Description:

GUTZON BORGLUM
(1871 - 1941) American sculptor and artists responsible for the sculpting of Mount Rushmore, as well as the commencement of the Confederate memorial at Stone Mountain. Fine content T.L.S. 1p. 8vo., San Antonio, Nov. 26, 1925, on letterhead of The Baker Hotel to Curtis Freshel, Esq., in New York. The perpetually under-funded Borglum sends a forceful reminder about financing promised to him: "…I regret very much that I have not received from you some payment on the account of our agreement as you promised would be done. I have had a very difficult time during the past two years, carrying on the big work and financing it myself and the only reason for making the offer that I did to you was on the consideration that I should receive five thousand dollars within thirty days. You assured me that I could depend upon that…It seems hardly fair that there should not have been even a thousand dollars paid on account. I have taken steps to play a big part in the restoration of the good name of Tom Paine in history…but I will not possibly have any courage to undertake what I agreed to if I am to receive no support at all...". Borglum refers to his memorial statue of Thomas Paine, erected shortly before World War I in Parc Montsouris, Paris. The large work alluded to within, however, is his tribute to Confederate heroes erected at Stone Mountain, Ga. Although originally limited to a carving of Lee's head, Borglum's artistic vision expanded to a high-relief frieze of Lee, Jefferson Davis and "Stonewall" Jackson riding around the mountain followed by artillery troops. Borglum himself made the first cut in 1923, and while he saw the project through the unveiling of Lee's head, by 1925 he had cut all ties. No trace of his original work now remains. A couple of negligible marginal tears, staple holes at top left corner, otherwise very good condition.

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October 10, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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