3

Abraham Solomon

1823-1862

Abraham Solomon
1823-1862

Autograph Letter Signed,
"ASolomon," to John Watkins, promising to retrieve his "F. Stone" [painting by Frank Stone?] after the "At Homes" [an open house at which artworks were sometimes exhibited] and hoping he would visit. 3 pages, 12mo, written on a folded sheet; faint bleedthrough affecting first and second pages, faint even toning to first and terminal pages. [London], 9 March 1861.

"I have packed all little pictures away until after the 19th inst., the finish of our 'At Homes' . . . we hope you intend coming--& so could not lay my hand on your 'F[rank?] Stone,' but you had better leave it with me until my pictures for Richards are done when I will do what I promised . . . a good many hours will be necessary to make any change in it. . . ."

Abraham Solomon and his brother, Simeon Solomon (1840-1905), were British painters. Although Abraham enjoyed membership in the Royal Academy of Arts, Simeon became better known for his work, influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, and for his openly homosexual lifestyle. In 1873, Simeon was arrested and convicted for gross indecency in a public restroom, shattering his ability to sell paintings, after which he became an alcoholic, spending time in a lunatic asylum and later a poorhouse. Oscar Wilde, who presumably found resonance in Simeon's life and work, collected his paintings.

Autograph Letter Signed,
"ASolomon," to John Watkins, promising to retrieve his "F. Stone" [painting by Frank Stone?] after the "At Homes" [an open house at which artworks were sometimes exhibited] and hoping he would visit. 3 pages, 12mo, written on a folded sheet; faint bleedthrough affecting first and second pages, faint even toning to first and terminal pages. [London], 9 March 1861.

"I have packed all little pictures away until after the 19th inst., the finish of our 'At Homes' . . . we hope you intend coming--& so could not lay my hand on your 'F[rank?] Stone,' but you had better leave it with me until my pictures for Richards are done when I will do what I promised . . . a good many hours will be necessary to make any change in it. . . ."

Abraham Solomon and his brother, Simeon Solomon (1840-1905), were British painters. Although Abraham enjoyed membership in the Royal Academy of Arts, Simeon became better known for his work, influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, and for his openly homosexual lifestyle. In 1873, Simeon was arrested and convicted for gross indecency in a public restroom, shattering his ability to sell paintings, after which he became an alcoholic, spending time in a lunatic asylum and later a poorhouse. Oscar Wilde, who presumably found resonance in Simeon's life and work, collected his paintings.

  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

August 21, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
25.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
20.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000