KENT, Rockwell (1882-1971). Autograph manuscript journal. AND: Autograph manuscript sketchbook. [Various places in Greenland, early 1930s.]

14 pages of journal entries on 8 loose leaves removed from a spiral binding (paper clip stains), incorporating two diagrams and a list of loans. The sketchbook with 12 written pages on 11 leaves, 8 of these being full-page sketches, in a Danish notebook, the other leaves blank. Loan list and sketches chiefly in pencil, journal entries chiefly in black ink. Both small octavo. Individually housed in custom chemises and quarter morocco slipcases. Provenance: Swann Galleries, 17 April 2012, lot 434 (journal entries).

Rockwell Kent's life in Greenland was memorialized in his book Salamina, named for his indigenous lover. These journals record details of the Native and Danish people he met, their daily lives, and some reflections on the contrast between human hierarchies and canine ones. In part, "Aug. -- Monday. Brattahlid. Sheep farms ... The men had long blond (reddish) beards, and were dressed in tattered clothes. Their feet and hands were enormous. They walked as though stalking, and crouching. One carried a large basket, out of this he took human bones (legs, arms, etc.) broke them easily in pieces, and handed them round..." In the sketchbook he also makes a shopping list for a trip to Copenhagen, including "Schnapps to Lars Postkasse" and "bureau for Salamina." The sketches include glacial landscapes, figure studies, a sleeping semi-nude, and "Annika's house," a traditional earth dwelling. Most have color notations.