[James Abbott McNeill Whistler, painter] Autograph Card Signed J McN.Whistler to Monsieur Francis Howard, mainly asking for a reply to his enquiry referring to a distinguished sculptor

Postcard (Carte Postale), 14 x 9cm, shade of green, somewhat grubby and crumpled, smudged. See Images. Text: I sent you a letter some weeks ago - making a proposal with reference to a distinguished Sculptor here [Auguste Rodin perhaps]. Did my letter reach you? !! I regret that I shall not be able to be present at the meeting of 7th - I also wrote as you requested to Gilbert, R.A. | Very faitfully yours | J McN. Whistler. The card is addressed to Monsieur Francis Howard, The Exhibition of International Art, Prince's Skating [Club?] Knitsbridge [sic] S.W. London || Angleterre. See Images. Notes: A. Second Exhibition of The International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers (London), 1899May 1899 - July 1899. Whistler helped found this Society in 1898. Rodin succeeded him as President.; B. Francis Howard was an American artist and arts administrator educated in England and Europe. One of the founders of the International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers (1897). In 1900 he acted as the representative for a group of American artists resident in Europe, who felt the need for an American national gallery and he travelled to America to gather funding and support for the project. In 1901, Howard organised the art section of the Woman’s Exhibition at Earl’s Court and in 1907 he was Chairman and Special Commissioner of the British Art and Antiquarian Committee, for the Jamestown Exposition. In 1909, he organised an Exhibition of Chosen Pictures at the Grafton Galleries, and his first National Loan Exhibition as its Director. He continued to do the Loan exhibitions in 1913-14 and 1914-15. He founded and managed the second Grosvenor Gallery in London in 1912. [R.A.]