^#206 ^Lot 217 Isabella Stewart Gardner

Founder of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston (1840–1924), Gardner was an eccentric philanthropist with a love for life, travel, and the arts. ALS signed “Isabella S. Gardner,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, measuring 8 x 10 unfolded, Green Hill, Brookline, Mass letterhead, October 31. Gardner writes to “Loeffler,” in full: “The effect produced on me at Mrs. Bird’s was so tremendous, that I want to send you one trite word of thanks. The wonder grows with you, & each time the pleasure & delight to me is greater—What a joy that you live! And how proud I am to be your friend, which I am with all my heart.” In fine condition, with a faint pencil notation.