Jervis McEntee Diaries

Wednesday April 8, 1885

Jervis McEntee Diary Entry, April 8, 1885, from the Jervis McEntee papers, 1850-1905, in the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Wednesday, Apr 8, 1885 Went to the Academy after breakfast at which Mary did not appear as she was not well. I am always troubled when Mary is ill. I told Mr. Galt that if there were any inquiries about my pictures that I would take $600 for my "Sundown-Winter" and 500 for my "Christmas Eve". He said my Christmas attracted much attention. A number of pictures were sold but mostly small, low priced ones, but Galt told me there was a lull in the sales. Came to my studio and tried to paint but to no purpose. Downing came in and wanted me to go to Barnums show with him which I did and was much entertained. The atmosphere however was frightful. After the show I went up to the dentists by appointment. It was raining. On my return called on Thompson whom I found in his room and looking himself. His hand is still unhealed and I doubt if he ever has the use of it again. I had a satisfactory visit with him and he seemed like himself. He has taken a studio at the foot of 23rd St and has men at work on his Burnside Statue. From there I hurried down and got ready for dinner. Saw Fitch. He has had another letter from Auchincloss about my picture but does not come to my terms. Fitch thinks he wants it and I told him to tell him I offered it at a low price and could not take less. I am in hopes he will take it finally. Spent the evening at home and at ten oclock went around to the club to look over the papers. There was a notice of the Academy in Mondays Herald in which all the landscape painters were noticed except me. In the Post tonight there was a notice in which both my pictures were commended as in a new view and characterizing my "Christmas Eve" as one of the most notable pictures of the Exhibition. It is raw and cold again and the rain has ceased. Last week I wrote Mrs Custer a note expressing my satisfaction with her book. I received a note from her yesterday thanking me for what I had said and asking me to call upon her. I wrote her today I would do so with pleasure and asking her to name an evening. I have felt very distressed and troubled today but I feel it would take a very little pecuniary success to relieve me from it. How strange it is that such worries have such power to make us unhappy.

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