[Consul] Joseph Smith (c.1674–1770) British consul at Venice...

[Consul] Joseph Smith (c.1674–1770) British consul at Venice and patron of Canaletto. Seven autograph letters signed to Thomas Steavens, 1750-1751 Seven autograph letters signed "J. Smith" to Thomas Steavens, dated Venice, 21 August, 24 September, 2, 8 and 17 October 1750, and 13 March and 13 September 1751. Sixteen manuscript pages on laid paper, chiefly in black ink, the letter of 13 September 1751 in pale brown ink with a darker postscript. With contemporary dockets and later reference numbers. The letter of 13 March extends to six pages on two bifola and retains its integral address panel to Steavens at Naples, care of Mr Allen, British consul, with remnants of red wax. Old folds, light toning and soiling chiefly to the outer panels, occasional creasing and a short marginal tear to the letter of 17 October. Generally very good. (7) The outstanding letter, dated 24 September 1750, gives Smith's own view of Venetian architecture. He offers to find Steavens a finer copy of Palladio's book in the same edition as Mr Nashe's, then turns to Sansovino, whom Steavens "must study […] only from his buildings," asking "what can be seen more magnificent then the two lower orders of the Procuratie Nuove?" In the same letter, Smith settles a wager over the accusative of Praeneste, citing Horace and Virgil among his authorities. Elsewhere he reports an impending Venetian regatta organised chiefly by young Memmo and tells Steavens that he and Colonel Charles Perry are about to set out for "my Little Villa." The letters also show Smith attending to Steavens's health, family affairs and finances. He welcomes the improvement brought about by "the Air of Valdagno," offers to send palm wine, consults Steavens on how frankly to write to his brother and sends bills for £300. In the six page letter of 13 March 1751, addressed to Steavens at Naples, Smith urges him to return briefly to London, raise money on his estate and settle his debts so that he can resume his tour with a regular allowance. Joseph Smith (c.1674-1770) was an English merchant banker, bibliophile and art collector who settled in Venice around 1700 and was appointed British consul there in 1744. As Canaletto's patron and agent, he helped introduce the painter's Venetian views to British collectors. In 1762 George III acquired Smith's art collection and library, bringing some fifty paintings and 150 drawings by Canaletto into the Royal Collection, while Smith's books helped form the King's Library. Autograph letters signed by Smith are exceedingly rare on the market, and the present cataloguer has traced no auction results. The British Library preserves his correspondence with the Duke of Newcastle, 1740–1752 (Add MS 32815, f. 39).

Utropspris:3 993,64 SEK

Visa alla föremål frånEASYLIVEAUCTIONellerBöcker, Kartor och Texter