Envelope with Cigarette Butt
subject
Johannes Brahms
(Hamburg, 1833 - 1897, Vienna)
compiler
Isabella Stewart Gardner
(New York, 1840 - 1924, Boston)
Date3 September 1894
Place MadeBavaria, Germany, Europe
MediumInk and graphite on paper, cigarette butt
Dimensions12.6 x 15.3 cm (4 15/16 x 6 in.)
ClassificationsArchival Material
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberARC.008067
eMuseum ID727768
Other NumberU1w359
EmbARK ObjectID24938
TMS Source ID9144
Last Updated8/9/24
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryThe cigarette butt in this envelope comes from the lips of Johannes Brahms. Isabella Stewart Gardner routinely saved souvenirs of her friendships with contemporary musicians. During a visit to Brahms’ hometown of Ischl, Austria in 1894, a star-struck Gardner told a friend that she “somehow must meet him.” The very next day, she and the composer were spotted “having tea together like old friends,” perhaps with cigarettes in hand.
BibliographyNotesMorris Carter. Isabella Stewart Gardner and Fenway Court (Boston, 1925; Reprint, Boston, 1972), p. 146.
MarksNotesInscribed in ink in Isabella Stewart Gardner's hand: Given by Brahms at his house in Ischl. / September 3, 1894 - / ISG
Inscribed in pencil (upper right corner): a cigarette
Inscribed in pencil (upper right corner): a cigarette
ProvenanceNotesGift from Johannes Brahms to Isabella Stewart Gardner on 3 September 1894.
late 19th century - early 20th century
