[Rarebooks] FS: Artist Frank E. Schoonover -letters re Indian artifacts

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

A small group of letters and invoices from Frank M. Covert, Mexican and
Indian Goods, to American Artist/Illustrator Frank E. Schoonover

New York; 1908-1909.

DISCUSSION: An exceptionally interesting small collection of
correspondence from a leading dealer in Indian goods to Frank E.
Schoonover, a prominent American illustrator and artist of Western
subjects. Covert, who was the publisher of the first edition of George
Wharton James’ classic book “Indian Basketry”, sent Schoonover material on
approval, and Schoonover appears to have kept most everything he was sent.

The use of artifacts was a standard practice by artists of the era, who
would travel West to do sketches and studies, and then complete their
canvases in their East Coast studios, using materials such as these to add
authentic details. The invoices find Schoonover buying Sioux papoose
carriers and head dresses, Navajo blankets, buffalo hides, leggings and
knife sheaths, Crow saddles, porcupine hunting bags, and similar items.

The letters are business-like but informal, and the two obviously had a
good relationship. All are on Frank M. Covert’s letterhead, with the
exception of a January 9th, 1908 letter, on Covert & Harrington
stationary, written by an employee and interesting enough to quote in
full-

“At Mr. Covert’s request I send you herewith the data for the powder horn
recently purchased by you. It was bought of an Oneida Indian named Jake
Schuyler, whose former home was near Oneida, N.Y. but who now lives on the
Oneida Reservation, near St. Thomas, Ont. Canada. He claims that it was
used in the War of 1812, and it is certainly very old. It was collected by
myself, in June 1907. Yours truly, M.R. [illegible). I do not know about
the fur cap. Mr. Covert will have to tell you that”.

DESCRIPTION: 6 handwritten letters or notes, and 3 handwritten invoices,
on Frank M. Covert or Covert & Harrington stationary. 9 items.

CONDITION NOTES: Folds, light soil; two large invoices with creasing and
short tears along the top.

PRICE: $675.00

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