Eugene Field AQS From "An Invitation to Maecenas" w/ Signed Cabinet Card

An autographed quote featuring the final couplet of Field's poem An Invitation to Maecenas, dated May 8, 1893 from Chicago reading: "Compulsory virtue is the charm/ of life upon the Sabine farm.- Eugene Field". The poem is likely told in the voice of Horace, who is extending an invitation to his friend and patron Maecenas to stay at his Villa. Accompanied by a 5.25" x 7.25" cabinet card depicting the poet in a tweed suit, signed near lower left. Docketed on verso in a different hand, describing previous owner history. Both items feature varying degrees of surface toning, foxing, and negligible imperfections near edges. Very good overall- a nice pairing.

Dubbed the "Poet of Childhood", Eugene Field (1850-1895) was an American writer best known for his popular works of children's poetry. Often humorous and whimsical in nature, some of Field's notable poems include Wynken, Blynken, and Nod (1889), a lullaby about three children fishing in a boat among the stars, and The Duel (ca. 1893), a limerick describing a fight between a dog and cat. In his early career, Field wrote and edited for several newspapers in the state of Missouri until moving to Chicago in 1883. He would first begin publishing poetry in 1879, quickly gaining popularity for his light-hearted verses. His father, Roswell Martin Field (1807-1869), was also notable for his representation of Dred Scott in the infamous Supreme Court case bearing his name, in which the enslaved Scott sued for the freedom of himself and his family.

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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