Object details
Accession number
ARC.008067
Creators
Full title
Envelope with Cigarette Butt
Creation Date
3 September 1894
Object Case
Musicians Case
Language
English
Provenance
Gift from Johannes Brahms to Isabella Stewart Gardner on 3 September 1894.
Marks
Inscribed 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
Dimensions
12.6 x 15.3 cm (4 15/16 x 6 in.)
Display Media
Ink and graphite on paper, cigarette butt
Web Commentary
The 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.
Permanent Gallery Location
Yellow Room
Bibliography
Morris Carter. Isabella Stewart Gardner and Fenway Court (Boston, 1925; Reprint, Boston, 1972), p. 146.
Rights and reproductions
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