$3,081
Maxfield Parrish, Jr. (American, 1906-1983) Lot of Two Illustrated Letters to John Haven Emerson and Irene Marie Garrett Emerson , c. 1931 Cloth bound seven-page letter signed "M. Parrish Jr." in pen on sixth page, single-page letter unsigned. Ink and graphite on stationery, sheet sizes to 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 in., single-page letter unframed. Condition: Folds, handling creases. N.B. John Haven "Jack" Emerson was the cousin of Maxfield Parrish Jr. through his mother, and the grandnephew of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson through his father. A designer of scientific instruments and medical equipment, he is best-known as the inventor of an improved iron lung, which he unveiled in 1931. The design was based on the work of Philip Drinker and Dr. Louis Agassiz Shaw, but was a more efficient and economical version. (1) Drinker sued Haven for patent infringement, but the courts sided with Haven. Parrish Jr., who had helped Haven with illustrations for his company publications, provided illustrations of the iron lung which were used in the suit. The topic of the lawsuit and iron lung is depicted with levity on pages 3 and 4 of the bound letter, which depicts Justice casting a mean gaze on Drinker. 1. http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object.cfm?key=35&objkey=114 We wish to thank Alma Gilbert-Smith for her assistance with the cataloging of the lot.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2010-05-21
