16 minute read
Art, Architecture, and Design
Handwritten letter by Brancusi: “I wanted to complete The Bird before writing”
404. Constantin Brancusi Autograph Letter Signed.
Pioneering Romanian sculptor (1876-1957) whose art emphasizes clean geometrical lines that balance forms inherent in his materials with the symbolic allusions of representational art. Extremely rare ALS in French, signed “C. Brancu?i,” one page, 7 x 8.25, July 3, 1939. Written from Paris, a letter to his friend, the British art collector Jim Ede, in full (translated): “I’m sorry to reply to you so late and to still have nothing precise to tell you. I wanted to complete The Bird before writing to you, but there you are: I restarted it twice and it’s not yet ready. Wait a little longer—I will write to you when it’s finished. I think of you often. My best to you and to Helene.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $500
Rare oversized photograph of the pioneering Cubist painter
405. Georges Braque Signed Photograph. Important
French painter (1882–1963) who, along with Picasso, was one of the seminal figures in the development of Cubism. Very rare oversized vintage glossy 11 x 15 photo of Braque visiting the ocean, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Pour Mr. et Mme. Gelloquer, avec mes amities, G. Braque, 1951.” In very good to fine condition, with wrinkling over Braque’s face and chest from old mounting residue on the reverse, and a slightly trimmed bottom edge. Braque is rare in signed photographs, this being just the second example we have ever offered. Starting Bid $300
A meal with Monet: “Will our dinner still happen on July 7? Where is Renoir?”
406. Gustave Caillebotte Autograph Letter Signed.
French painter (1848-1894) who was a member and patron of the Impressionists, although he painted in a more realistic manner than many others in the group. Caillebotte was noted for his early interest in photography as an art form. ALS in French, signed “G. Caillebotte,” one page both sides, 4 x 6, Petit Gennevilliers (Seine) letterhead, June 24, 1887. Handwritten letter to the great impressionist painter Claude Monet, in part (translated): “I haven’t been to Paris since the wedding of Martial but I have just written to know if your painting is back...I have many things in the works but one cannot always do what he wants. Nevertheless if the weather continues I do hope that I will be able to produce something of everything that is in the works. Will our dinner still happen on July 7? Where is Renoir?” Caillebotte adds a short postscript: “I suppose you are reading La Terre.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
408. Marc Chagall Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in Yiddish,
one page, 5.75 x 8.25, March 16, 1972. Handwritten letter to Israeli journalist and writer David Giladi, in part (translated): “Everything they said about me—one I knew: my soul is in Israel—my loved. In one of the changes in my life and around me, that I am far away, but I hope that in my art I am close, and something of me is in Israel.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Chagall, who incorporates his signature on the reverse flap. Starting Bid $200
Cezanne thanks a young poet for his literary work, and looks forward to a discussion “about the things of Art which interest us so much”
407. Paul Cézanne Autograph Letter Signed. Rare
ALS in French, signed “Paul Cezanne,” one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.5, June 11, 1898. Handwritten letter to the young poet and art critic Eugene Montfort, in part (translated): “I am in possession of the literary work that you kindly sent to me through Joachim Gasquet. I will have the greatest pleasure in perusing it and when the opportunity arises, you will kindly allow me to speak with you about the things of Art which interest us so much.” In fine condition, with a short split to the top of the hinge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Cezanne’s hand. Montfort had just published his second collection, Chair (1898), and was introduced to Cezanne by the poet and art critic Joachim Gasquet. Gasquet had befriended Cezanne at an 1895 exhibition at Aix-en-Provence, and would author a biography of the artist in 1921. A fabulous handwritten letter by the important Post-Impressionist painter, connecting the visual and literary arts in fin de siècle France. Starting Bid $1000
Handwritten musings on cinema by Salvador Dali, penned on five huge pages— complete with two surreal sketches!
409. Salvador Dali Autograph Manuscript Signed.
AMS in French, signed “Salvador Dali,” five pages on large 16 x 17 sheets, circa 1953. Dali’s handwritten manuscript for a piece entitled ‘Mes secrets sinematographiques [My cinematic secrets],’ originally published in February 1954 under in No. 14 of the review La Parisienne, in an adaptation by Michel Déon, who normalized Dali’s aberrant spelling and syntax. The manuscript reveals the delirious orality of the original Dalian text, with important variations; it is written in singular language, interspersed with Hispanicisms and phonetically reproducing the Catalan accent. Dali first affirms the conviction of his genius in cinematographic art by recalling the importance of his first two films, Un chien andalou and L’Âge d’or, and by denigrating the role of the filmmaker Luis Buñuel in the realization of these. He unveils his film project La Brouette de flesh, describing the delirious visions and hallucinations he intends to put into images. On the third page, Dali sketches two interesting figures in different styles—one a grotesque portrait a la Francis Bacon, and the other executed in the Cubist mode. In fine condition, with intersecting folds. A remarkable and impressive artistic manuscript that is distinctly Dali. Starting Bid $2500
artist (1798-1863) who takes a place in the first rank of painters in the Romantic tradition and whose mastery of color and technique inspired both the Impressionist and Symbolist schools. ALS in French, signed “Eug. Delacroix,” one page, 5 x 7.5, no date. Handwritten letter to Narcisse Vieillard, about his paintings at the French National Assembly. In part (translated): “I humbly request two things of your kindness: writing to me as soon as possible to tell me whether the Mr. de Lasterye with whom you have seen my paintings at the Assembly is Mr. Ferdinand de Lasterye and, should it not be the case, what his first name his...Thanks to my seclusion, I am now much better and able to work, which is the greatest happiness of human life, provided one does not have colic at the same time.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare signed photograph of the high fashion legend
411. Christian Dior Signed Photograph. Vintage glossy
7 x 9.25 photo of Christian Dior seated at his desk, nicely signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “Tian Dior.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the transmittal letter from his office, dated September 7, 1956. Dior is a rare autograph in general, and even more so in signed photographs. A fabulous example. Starting Bid $200
412. Marcel Duchamp Autograph Letter Signed. Ex-
tremely influential French artist (1887-1968) associated with Dadaism and conceptual art, best remembered for his controversial ‘Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2’ painting and his ‘Readymade’ recontextualized found objects. ALS, one page, 5.75 x 7.75, January 18, 1964. Handwritten letter to Carole Cook at Barnard College, in part: “First I am very sorry to have neglected to answer your letter…I had to undergo a serious check up in a hospital and forgot all about my mail. If there is still for your paper, I suggest that you call me up any morning around 10 A.M. at AL 48692 and we will arrange for you to come down here, 28 W. 10th St. Hoping this will help you.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Duchamp’s hand, incorporating his surname as part of the return address on the flap. Starting Bid $200
413. James Ensor Autograph Note Signed. Belgian painter and printmaker (1860-1949) who was an important influence on expressionism and surrealism. ANS in French, one page, 4.75 x 3.5, September 10, 1929. An untranslated handwritten note from the artist, matted and framed to an overall size of 9 x 8. In fine condition, with some faint stains. Starting Bid $200
414. Emile Galle Autograph Letter Signed. Renowned French glassmaker (1846–1904) considered to be one of the innovators of the Art Nouveau movement. ALS in French, signed “Galle,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, February 28, 1892. Untranslated handwritten letter to French jeweler Lucien Falize, remembered for pioneering and driving the Art Nouveau movement through his firm. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Starting Bid $200
415. Maximilien Luce Autograph Letter Signed with Sketches. Prolific French neo-impressionist artist (1858–1941)
known for his work in both the Impressionist and Pointillist modes. ALS in French, signed “Luce,” one page, 4.25 x 6.5, January 1, 1918. Untranslated handwritten letter by Luce, with two fabulous original ink sketches drawn on the reverse: one of a landscape scene, and one of several figures together. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
Matisse to his daughter, a model and muse: “Did you go see the Spanish exhibit at the Petit Palais Paris? And the new rooms at the Louvre?”
French, signed “H.,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10.25, no date. Letter to his daughter Marguerite, “My dear Marg,” in part (translated): “Did you go see the Spanish exhibit at the Petit Palais Paris? And the new rooms at the Louvre?” In the left margin, he adds: “Use Jean to take care of the ivy by the veranda. It covers the gutter and needs to be cut back.” At the top of the page, he writes: “You will receive the oil; it didn’t get sent until the 15th of April.”
Matisse continues: “Remember that it is because the ring of the trachea that has been cut has not developed, he said that he would cut back the cartilage a little to enlarge it...To move around the oak frame is too large. What is needed it something smaller. It shouldn’t be bigger than 1 m of the hanging rail. I’ll see what you will suggest.” Matisse sketches a quick diagram of boxes. In the left margin, he writes: “I am expecting Romains and his wife for dinner with Marquet. I hope you will get back in shape for your operation. I send hugs to all four of you. H.” In fine condition. A significant letter from Matisse to his daughter, who acted as his model, muse, and manager. Here, he touches upon his work—referring to his 1914 portrait of Yvonne Landsberg—and her ailment—Marguerite wore a black ribbon around her neck to hide a three-inch scar from surgery on her trachea and larynx, as seen in Matisse’s many famous portraits of her. He also refers to his lifelong friend, the Fauvist painter Albert Marquet, as well as the world-famous Louvre Museum. A desirable autograph letter boasting a number of important associations. Starting Bid $300
The Barbizon school founder writes from rural France
417. Jean-Francois Millet Autograph Letter Signed. French painter (1814–1875) known as one of the
founders of the Barbizon school. ALS in French, signed “J. F. Millet,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, May 15, 1860. Untranslated handwritten letter by Millet from the village of Barbizon, France, where refined his realist technique. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
418. Joan Miro Autograph Letter Signed. Boldly penned
ALS in French, signed “Miró,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.5, June 29, 1935. Untranslated letter written from the “Hôtel Recamier, 3 Place St.–Sulpice” in Paris. In fine condition. During the first several months of 1935, Miró created a group of paintings on cardboard that he later described as a summary, or self-assessment, of his own career up to that point. The imagery of Person in the Presence of Nature, which was part of that series, expresses the artist’s response to impending civil war in Spain. Starting Bid $200
Monet sends thanks for a contribution to the fund to buy “l’Olympia de Manet”
419. Claude Monet Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in
French, one page, 4.5 x 7, February 25, 1890. Handwritten letter by Claude Monet, sending thanks for a contribution of 500 francs to his campaign to purchase Edouard Manet’s ‘Olympia’ for the French National Museum. In fine condition.
Edouard Manet’s painting ‘Olympia,’ an arrestingly bold nude of a reclining prostitute, immediately sparked controversy upon its unveiling at the 1865 Paris Salon. Later recognized as one of the artist’s true masterpieces, Monet spearheaded a public campaign to raise money for the French government to purchase the painting. Monet’s letters on the subject—generally sent to those within his artistic circle—are highly coveted, and this example is dramatically enhanced by the list of subscribers. By February 1890, Monet had raised about 20,000 francs to purchase the great work and announced its donation to the French national museums. As the law prevented the Louvre from exhibiting works until their creators were ten years deceased (Manet died in 1883), ‘Olympia’ was first shown at the Musée du Luxembourg, then at the Musée de l’Art Contemporary of Paris. By order of Georges Clemenceau, Olympia finally took its place in the Louvre in 1907. Starting Bid $1000
Monet writes to Pissarro on a sticky situation: “They are asking me for paintings I was supposed to have delivered a long time ago”
420. Claude Monet Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS in French, two pages, 5.25 x 8.5, Giverny par Vernon letterhead, August 30, 1892. Handwritten letter to fellow painter Camille Pissarro, in part (translated): “I haven’t been able to find the receipt you’ve asked for yet, but I’ll find it and send it to you right away. But don’t worry there is no duplication. Mirbeau has just written to me asking me to come with them to your house on Thursday. Unfortunately, this is impossible for me. They are asking me for paintings I was supposed to have delivered a long time ago, and I absolutely have to deal with that.” In fine condition, with faint toning from prior display. Starting Bid $500
1895) considered one of the greatest female Impressionists alongside Mary Cassatt. She was married to Eugene Manet, the brother of her friend and colleague Edouard Manet. ALS in French, signed “B. Morisot,” one page, 4 x 7, May 6. Untranslated handwritten letter by Morisot, mentioning Pissarro in the last line. In very good to fine condition, with faint toning and foxing. Starting Bid $300
422. Pablo Picasso Signed Book. French-language
signed book: Faunes et Nymphes de Pablo Picasso. First edition. Geneva, Switzerland: Pierre Cailler, 1952. Softcover, 5.5 x 7.5. 40 pages of text followed by 32 photos of sculptures. Signed on the title page in red artist pencil, “Picasso.” The page is also signed and inscribed by the book’s author, Andre Verdet. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200 423. Auguste Rodin Autograph Letter Signed. ALS
in French, signed “Rodin,” one page, 4.5 x 7, 182 rue de l’Universite letterhead (the address of his studio), no date. Untranslated handwritten letter to a friend. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
424. Kees van Dongen Autograph Letter with Sketches. Handwritten letter in French, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 7, no date. Unsigned handwritten love letter by Kees van Dongen, incorporating several wonderful sketches throughout: a train, a horse, and a fountain. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
426. Zao Wou-Ki Autograph Letter Signed. Chinese-French painter (1920–2013) known for his large abstract works; in 2018, his triptych ‘Juin-Octobre 1985’ sold for $65 million, breaking the record for a work by an Asian artist. ALS in French, one page both sides, 6.75 x 9.75, personal letterhead, April 2, 1981. Handwritten letter by Zao Wou-Ki, commenting on a party attended by fellow artists Balthus and Henri Minchaux, and listing upcoming exhibitions. In part (translated): “A magnificent party with Michaux, Balthus, without you; we’re all sad about your absence. Françoise was very impressed by Balthus’s appearance and charm, completely conquered and seduced; she even considered being his mistress, except for being put off by Seigko’s firmness. — What a laugh!” He goes on to give the dates of an upcoming exhibition tour, which takes his work from Japan to Singapore to Athens. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
425. Andy Warhol Signed Book.
Signed book: Warhol: Campbell’s Soup Boxes. Los Angeles, California: Michael Kohn Gallery / Martin Lawrence Limited Editions, 1986. Paperback, 10 x 11, 36 pages. Signed prominently on the first free end page in black felt tip by Andy Warhol. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
