Lot 6719

Description

Small double sheet (21.4 x 13 cm), folded several times, addressed on the verso to “Herrn C. Schulz - Mitglied der Königlichen Academie der Künste” (Carl Friedrich Schulz, 1796 - 1866, painter and Professor at the Berlin Academy). The verso also bears remains of a vignette and mounting residue. Schadow writes to him in black ink, "The Great King's hat has just been brought to me. It is missing the button, cockade, and plume. In 1788, I bought it from Pagez, who claimed it was authentic; this is quite possible—for the King received a new hat every year and wore it out, as he rarely took it off, even in his final years. – Berlin, 11 April 1840. – Your old friend Dr. G. Schadow – Director." ["Der Hut des grossen Koenig wird mir soeben gebracht. Es fehlt Knopf Cocarde u. die Plumage. Anno 1788 kaufte ich ihn von Pagez welcher behauptete, es sei ein ächter; möglich ist es - denn der König erhielt jährlich einen Hut u. verbrauchte diesen, weil Er solchen auch in den letzten Jahren wenig ablegte. - Berlin den 11ten April 1840. - Ihr alter Freund Dr. G. Schadow - Director."] Johann Gottfried Schadow, among whose most celebrated works is the Quadriga on the Brandenburg Gate, became Director of the Royal Prussian Academy of Arts in 1816 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy from Berlin University in 1830. Carl Friedrich Schulz (1796 - 1866), Professor at the Berlin Academy from 1841. A highly interesting letter on the collecting of memorabilia, a passion as old as mankind itself. Just two years after the death of Frederick the Great, Schadow was able to acquire a hat of the King and – though not entirely certain of its authenticity – held it in honour for more than “50” years.

Condition: II - Questions about the lot?