Cole & Contreras / Sylvan Cole Gallery Archives - Rare Book Insider

Cole & Contreras / Sylvan Cole Gallery

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Autograph letter signed by Paul Signac to his dealer

Paul Signac A FASCINATING SIX-PAGE SIGNED AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM PAUL SIGNAC TO HIS DEALER. About 400 words in very legible script on three sheets of fine writing paper, with the letterhead of Signac's "Société des Artistes Indépendants". Dated May 3, 1920. Signac starts by acknowledging receipt of a check for 1890 francs for sales of his work, and thanking his correspondent. He goes on to say that he no longer goes to Bernheim's gallery since Fénéon was replaced by "ces jeunes gens parfumés". It's enough for him to pass by their windows, and he expresses his disappointment that his recent painting, "Le mimosa", is displayed next to some horrible Vlaminck paintings (although he clarifies that he's criticizing only Vlaminck's most recent style, referring to him as "gifted".) He then encourages his correspondent not to lose faith: while charlatans may triumph for the moment, the future belongs to good and solid painting. Probably, anyway. He then discusses the paintings he's working on at the moment, including views of Mont Blanc and Notre Dame, and "des tulipes pour m'entrainer." He then devotes a few sentences to roasting the Salon, which he visited today. He concludes the letter with an inventory of watercolors on deposit with his correspondent. The correspondent, interestingly, has annotated the list: for example, "Payé à Signac 29 avril 19. Lyon." Signc concludes with an effusive greeting to his correspondent's wife, and thanks him again for his services. AN UNPARALLELED AND VERY PERSONAL GLIMPSE INTO THE PARISIAN ART WORLD DURING ITS GREATEST MOMENT.
  • $950
book (2)

A wonderful signed autograph letter from Max Jacob to Maurice Morel (l’abbé Morel), about God, love, understanding, and symbolism

Max Jacob (and Maurice Morel, "l'abbé Morel") A signed autograph letter, written during the Occupation, from Max Jacob (1876-1944) to his close friend and protégé Maurice Morel ("l'abbé Morel", 1908-1991). 2 pp (front and back of a leaf measuring 27 x 21 cm), about 400 words written neatly in ink. Jacob had encouraged Morel to paint in 1925, when the latter was only 17, and had organized his first exhibition. Morel became a successful painter. In 1934 Morel was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. The present letter begins with a discussion of a manuscript Jacob is considering having published so that he can sell copies to tourists (we can assume he's joking.) He moves on to spiritual matters: "Je suis de votre avis sur le manque de respect envers Dieu, plus grand que le manque d'amour : c'est une preuve de crise de l'intelligence car pour respecter, il faut comprendre ou comprendre au moins qu'on ne comprend pas. Prenez garde en luttant contre le sentimentalisme de dessécher complètement ces coeurs déjà tellement arides : pour la métaphysique, je vous la livre. Le symbolisme est à la base de toutes les religions parce que le signe est l'idée et que l'idée se confond avec la réalité. C'est pourquoi il est dit : "que votre nom soit sanctifié." car le nom est le signe de la personne." The letter is dated February 28, 1941, as is the postmark on the envelope (included). In excellent condition. An outstanding item.
  • $975