Bill Clinton TLS to Photographer Yousuf Karsh, Plus Goldwater SP; Ex. Karsh Estate
Bill Clinton
Washington, DC, December 10, 1998
Bill Clinton TLS to Photographer Yousuf Karsh, Plus Goldwater SP; Ex. Karsh Estate
TLS
A typed letter from then-President Bill Clinton to Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), signed at conclusion as "Bill Clinton." 1p on White House stationery, 6.75" x 9", Washington, DC, December 10, 1998. Sent just nine days before the start of his impeachment trial, the President wishes Karsh a happy 90th birthday. Together with a 10.75" x 13.75" gelatin silver photograph of the Karsh's in front of the U.S. capitol, inscribed in the lower margin: "To Mr. & Mrs. Karsh, two delightful friends, from/ Barry Goldwater." Exhibits isolated creasing and paperclip soiling in the upper left corner; heavy to moderate ink lifting to signature. Letter is near fine with only minor creasing at center. A desirable pairing retained by Karsh in his personal collection, and later by his wife.
Karsh Estate Provenance: Held by the Estate of Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh; after Yousuf's death in 2002 passing to Estrellita Karsh; after Estrellita's death in March 2025 passing to Katherine Getchell, Co-Executor, Estrellita Karsh Estate and Personal Representative of Estrellita Karsh.
The President writes in full:
"Happy 90th birthday! Hillary and I want to wish you the very best on your special milestone -- and a happy, healthy year to come.
We hope you had a terrific party with your friends and family last week, and we wish we could have been there to help you celebrate.
Our best wishes to you on your birthday, and to you and Estrellita for a great holiday season."
Yousuf Karsh (1908–2002) is recognized as one of the leading photographers of the twentieth century. Arriving in Canada in 1924 as an Armenian refugee, Karsh eventually settled in Ottawa. Over six decades, he mastered the art of portraiture and created a unique chronicle of his time through images of celebrated legends. Some of his most notable subjects include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. A celebrity in his own right, he was an elegant and charming public figure, captivating audiences with compelling stories told in images and words. Karsh sought to capture, as he put it, the "elusive moment of truth," revealing the essential nature of his subjects as reflected in their eyes, hands, and attitudes.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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Bill Clinton
Washington, DC, December 10, 1998
Bill Clinton TLS to Photographer Yousuf Karsh, Plus Goldwater SP; Ex. Karsh Estate
TLS
A typed letter from then-President Bill Clinton to Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), signed at conclusion as "Bill Clinton." 1p on White House stationery, 6.75" x 9", Washington, DC, December 10, 1998. Sent just nine days before the start of his impeachment trial, the President wishes Karsh a happy 90th birthday. Together with a 10.75" x 13.75" gelatin silver photograph of the Karsh's in front of the U.S. capitol, inscribed in the lower margin: "To Mr. & Mrs. Karsh, two delightful friends, from/ Barry Goldwater." Exhibits isolated creasing and paperclip soiling in the upper left corner; heavy to moderate ink lifting to signature. Letter is near fine with only minor creasing at center. A desirable pairing retained by Karsh in his personal collection, and later by his wife.
Karsh Estate Provenance: Held by the Estate of Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh; after Yousuf's death in 2002 passing to Estrellita Karsh; after Estrellita's death in March 2025 passing to Katherine Getchell, Co-Executor, Estrellita Karsh Estate and Personal Representative of Estrellita Karsh.
The President writes in full:
"Happy 90th birthday! Hillary and I want to wish you the very best on your special milestone -- and a happy, healthy year to come.
We hope you had a terrific party with your friends and family last week, and we wish we could have been there to help you celebrate.
Our best wishes to you on your birthday, and to you and Estrellita for a great holiday season."
Yousuf Karsh (1908–2002) is recognized as one of the leading photographers of the twentieth century. Arriving in Canada in 1924 as an Armenian refugee, Karsh eventually settled in Ottawa. Over six decades, he mastered the art of portraiture and created a unique chronicle of his time through images of celebrated legends. Some of his most notable subjects include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. A celebrity in his own right, he was an elegant and charming public figure, captivating audiences with compelling stories told in images and words. Karsh sought to capture, as he put it, the "elusive moment of truth," revealing the essential nature of his subjects as reflected in their eyes, hands, and attitudes.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
