Lot 305
  • 305

WILDE, OSCAR. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED TO OSCAR BROWNING. 3PP. ND.

Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

Autograph letter signed ("Oscar Wilde"), 3 pp. on bifolium (6 5/8 x 4 7/8 in.; 168 x 126 mm) on his Tite Street letterhead, London, n.d., to Oscar Browning ("O. B."); horizontal fold, first page very lightly browned.

Condition

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A letter of condolence to Oscar Browning. "I am so sorry to hear from Wallstein of your great loss: I know how fond you were of your mother, and, loving my own, can understand how you must feel. It must be some small consolation to feel that she had always every reason to be proud of you, and was proud of you." Oscar Browning (1837–1923) was an Eton master from 1860 to 1875, when his close attachments to some of his pupils (most notably George Curzon, future Viceroy of India) necessitated his departure from the school. From 1876 to 1909, he was a Cambridge don. He served as tutor at King's College to Wilde's close friend Robbie Ross in 1888–89. Wilde's friendship with Browning was of long standing, dating to 1879.

Not in The Complete Letters and presumably unpublished.