Greenaway, Kate

24mo (100 x 73mm.) PRESENTATION COPY WITH AN ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR INSCRIBED TO JOHN RUSKIN ("John Ruskin | From | Kate Greenaway | 1891") on the half title, colour illustrations, original cream boards printed with an image of a young woman scattering roses on a gold background, green cloth spine, yellow edges; [with]: the envelope in which the book was sent, addressed to "Professor Ruskin", collector's green chemise and morocco back box, envelope spotted

Alain de Suzannet, bookplate; Library of Doris L. Benz (sale of the her library, Christie's New York, 16 November 1984, lot 158)

Schuster and Engen 12.10b

Condition is as described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

From their first correspondence in January 1880, Greenaway quickly became one of Ruskin's favourite protégés. Ruskin was very taken by her idyllic depictions of young girls, and here Greenaway embellishes his copy with just such a figure, finely executed in ink and watercolour.

Over their friendship, which continued until Ruskin's death in 1900, Ruskin is said to have written over five hundred letters to Greenaway, with her sending perhaps double that number in response.