Proof Before Letters Collection

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife, 1793. Creator: Joseph Adrianus Clarot
Joseph and Potiphar's Wife, 1793

Self-Portrait, ca. 1778-80. Creator: Jean-Etienne Liotard
Self-Portrait, ca. 1778-80

A View of the Inside of St. Stephens Walbrook, Done from the Drawing in his Majesty s
A View of the Inside of St. Stephens Walbrook, Done from the Drawing in his Majestys Collection, ca. 1767. Church in the City of London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren

The Violin Lesson (La lezione di violincello), c. 1874. Creator: Mose, Bianchi
The Violin Lesson (La lezione di violincello), c. 1874

A Seat in St. Jamess Park, 1870. Creator: Joseph Swain
A Seat in St. Jamess Park, 1870

The Branch Bank of the United States, Wall Street, New York, ... 1827
The Branch Bank of the United States, Wall Street, New York, Erected in 1825 (from Views of the Public Buildings in the City of New York Correctly Drawn on Stone by A. J. Davis, 1827)

The First Whisper of Love, 1876. Creator: Leopold Lowenstam
The First Whisper of Love, 1876

The Lion-Dog of Malta--The Last of His Tribe, 1844. Creator: Thomas Landseer
The Lion-Dog of Malta--The Last of His Tribe, 1844

Hadleigh Castle: Large Plate, 1830-32. Creator: David Lucas
Hadleigh Castle: Large Plate, 1830-32

George Washington, 1787. Creator: Charles Willson Peale
George Washington, 1787

General Washington, ca. 1794. Creator: Thomas Holloway
General Washington, ca. 1794

Arnaut Guardhouse in Cairo, 1868. 1868. Creator: Paul Adolphe Rajon
Arnaut Guardhouse in Cairo, 1868

The Poet John Trumbull (1750-1831), 1820. 1820. Creator: Peter Maverick
The Poet John Trumbull (1750-1831), 1820

Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1851. Creator: Alphonse Francois
Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1851

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"Proof Before Letters: A Glimpse into Artistic Mastery" Step back in time and witness the meticulous craftsmanship of renowned artists through the captivating technique known as "proof before letters. " This artistic process, showcased in various masterpieces, unveils a world where attention to detail reigns supreme. In Jean-Etienne Liotard's self-portrait from 1778-80, we are transported to an era where every stroke of the brush captures the essence of the artist himself. The absence of any inscriptions allows us to focus solely on Liotard's skillful rendition and his ability to convey his own image with remarkable precision. Moving on to St. Stephens Walbrook, we find ourselves immersed in a breathtaking view meticulously reproduced by an unknown creator. Without distracting lettering or annotations, our gaze is free to wander through this architectural marvel that stands as a testament to human ingenuity. Mose Bianchi's "The Violin Lesson" transports us further into time, allowing us a glimpse into 1874 when music was brought alive through delicate strokes on canvas. With no words obstructing our view, we can fully appreciate Bianchi's mastery in capturing not just the physicality but also the emotions evoked during this intimate musical moment. Joseph Swain invites us for a seat in St. James's Park circa 1870—a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Through proof before letters, Swain ensures that nothing distracts us from immersing ourselves completely in this serene oasis filled with nature's beauty and peaceful contemplation. "The Branch Bank of the United States" takes us back even further—to Wall Street in 1827—where David Lucas showcases his talent without any textual distractions. We can admire every intricate detail of this iconic building while contemplating its historical significance within America's financial landscape. Leopold Lowenstam whispers love’s first tender moments onto canvas with "The First Whisper of Love" in 1876.