6719 - Johann Gottfried Schadow (1764–1850) — an autograph signed letter, 1840 — “The hat of the Great King has just been brought to me” (trans.)

Johann Gottfried Schadow (1764–1850) — an autograph signed letter, 1840 — “The hat of the Great King has just been brought to me” (trans.) Small double sheet (21.4 x 13 cm), folded several times, addressed on the reverse to “Mr. C. Schulz—Member of the Royal Academy of Arts” (Carl Friedrich Schulz, 1796–1866, painter and professor at the Berlin Academy). On the reverse, remnants of a vignette and a montage are also visible. Schadow writes to him in black ink, “The Great King’s hat has just been brought to me. The button, cockade, and plumage are missing. In 1788, I bought it from Pagez, who claimed it was genuine; it is possible—for the King received a hat every year and wore it out, since he rarely took it off even in his later years. — Berlin, April 11, 1840. — Your old friend Dr. G. Schadow — Director.” Johann Gottfried Schadow, whose best-known works include 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 the University of Berlin in 1830. Carl Friedrich Schulz (1796–1866), a professor at the Berlin Academy since 1841. A highly interesting letter about collecting memorabilia, a passion as old as humanity itself. Just two years after the death of Frederick the Great, Schadow was able to acquire one of the king’s hats and, although he was not entirely certain of its “authenticity,” cherished it for over “50” years. Condition: II -