Joseph Conrad, Manuscript Letter to Sir Sidney Colvin, 1916Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) – Polish

Joseph Conrad, Manuscript Letter to Sir Sidney Colvin, 1916
Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) – Polish author
Sir Sidney Colvin (1845-1927) – English curator and art critic
Capel House, Orlestone, Kent, England, April 24th, 1916
Doubled sided handwritten letter in fountain pen signed “J. Conrad”
Written on stationary from Conrad’s English home, Capel House
In the letter Conrad thanks Sir Sidney Colvin for seeing a bust made of Conrad, likely done by Jo Davidson (1883-1952)
Provenance: E.V. Lucas, Anderson Galleries
Sheet dimensions: 253 x 202 mm, unfolded
Very good condition
Estimate: $2,000

In this double-sided letter Conrad thanks his friend and art critic Sir Sidney Colvin. Colvin had gone to view a bust of Conrad completed by an artist who had also done busts of Page and Zangwill. Research suggests that American sculptor Jo Davidson (1883-1952) completed busts for both Joseph Conrad and Israel Zangwill (1864-1926) and that Conrad sat for Davidson in 1915. Unfortunately for Davidson, Conrad’s letter suggests that Colvin was unimpressed by the work. Colvin was a friend to many important figures, including Conrad and Robert Louis Stevenson. This letter was previously sold in an auction at Anderson Galleries from the collection of biographer E.V. Lucas. Lucas is known for his biography of Lord and Lady Colvin. This letter may have been used as part of Lucas’ research. The letter is sold with its folder from the Anderson Galleries auction and is accompanied by the transcription of the letter as prepared for the sale.

Joseph Conrad (Polish, 1857-1924)

In 1857, Conrad was born in the Ukraine to members of the Polish noble class. His parents conspired against the oppressive Russian rule, and consequently were sentenced to life in the Russian province of Vologda with their young child. When his parents passed away shortly later, Conrad was sent to Poland to be raised by his uncle. At age 16, Conrad left Poland and began his travels in Marseilles, France. It was there that Conrad began his career as a mariner. During his sea-faring career in the French and British merchant marines, Conrad traveled to the West Indies, India, Singapore, Australia, Africa and South America. During his stops on dryland, Conrad met his wife, Jessie Emmeline George and friends Ford Madox Ford and H.G. Wells. In 1895, Conrad published his first novel, “Almayer’s Folly.” Conrad wrote many short stories and novels, bringing together his experiences traveling with his interested in moral conflict and the dark side of human nature. His books have been translated into to dozens of languages and are taught in schools and universities.

Condition

Features creases where the letter was previously folded into a small envelop. No chips or tears. Some occasional stain to the recto, but otherwise very clean.

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Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) – Polish author
Sir Sidney Colvin (1845-1927) – English curator and art critic
Capel House, Orlestone, Kent, England, April 24th, 1916
Doubled sided handwritten letter in fountain pen signed “J. Conrad”
Written on stationary from Conrad’s English home, Capel House
In the letter Conrad thanks Sir Sidney Colvin for seeing a bust made of Conrad, likely done by Jo Davidson (1883-1952)
Provenance: E.V. Lucas, Anderson Galleries
Sheet dimensions: 253 x 202 mm, unfolded
Very good condition
Estimate: $2,000

In this double-sided letter Conrad thanks his friend and art critic Sir Sidney Colvin. Colvin had gone to view a bust of Conrad completed by an artist who had also done busts of Page and Zangwill. Research suggests that American sculptor Jo Davidson (1883-1952) completed busts for both Joseph Conrad and Israel Zangwill (1864-1926) and that Conrad sat for Davidson