Documents associated with: Weir, Robert Walter
Record 8 of 9
System Number: 05877
Date: 25 October 1895
Author: J. W. W. Ravueil[1]
Place: West Point, NY
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler U6
Document Type: ALS
DEPT. OF DRAWING, U. S. MILITARY ACADEMY,
WEST POINT, N. Y.,
Oct 25t 1895
Mr J McNeil Whistler
London, England.
My Dear Sir:
In the hope that the memory of your cadet days has kept alive an interest in the affairs of the Academy I take the liberty of appealing to your generosity for a contribution to the walls of these Academies.
We have completed a very handsome Academic Building and the rooms of the Drawing Academy are perhaps its handsomest feature. Although our work today has lost the character of fine art which my very dear and honored predecessor sought to give it, and toils now in the Philistine field of technical and constructive science, we nevertheless cherish with affectionate remembrance the traditions of the past and the work of those who have preceeded us.
I have now two drawings done by you under [p. 2][2] Weir[3] - one a pen and ink[4] of some mediaeval lord distributing Alms; the other, a water color[5] of two women. I should very highly appreciate a sketch of any sort bearing your autograph to hang with this work of your youth in the department where you so easily distanced your companions by virtue of the genius that has made your name famous on two continents.
Very Sincerely Yours
J. W. W. Ravueil
Prof. of Dg.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. J. W. W. Ravueil
J. W. W. Ravueil, Professor of Drawing at USMA, West Point [more]. A printed prospectus outlining the 'Course of Technical and Free-hand Drawing' was enclosed with this letter (#05878).
2. [p. 2]
Printed letterhead appears at the top of this page, as on p. 1.
3. Weir
Robert Walter Weir (1803-1889), artist and art teacher at USMA, West Point [more].
4. pen and ink
Copy after Cattermole's 'Man dispensing Alms' (M.139).