Mexican artist (1886-1957). Typed letter signed. Coyoacán. Large 4to. 1 p. With typed envelope and one enclosure (s. b.).
$ 4,919 / 4.500 €
(44545)
Letter to his agent, Nettie King of New York: „It was a very pleasant surprise to receive the very nice expression of your kindness towards me, by sending me the check for the Book-of-the-Month Club. I appreciate very much all you did in order to obtain it and thank you most sincerely for it. With great pleasure I will make the illustrations you propose and I hope to be able to please you with them. I await your instructions in this respect. My wife Frida has been recovering little by little and although she has had insomnia lately, as inevitable consequence of her post operation convalescence, just the same she is feeling better [...]“.
– Rivera’s wife, Frida Kahlo, dealt with immense pain throughout most of her life, resulting from a bike accident at a young age. After her 1946 surgery, her nephew wrote, “She is now worse than ever, the pain is unimaginably intense”. - Rivera seems unusually optimistic in this letter, especially considering the volatile nature of their relationship. A fantastic letter with content regarding his art and marriage. Moderate overall toning, staple holes to the upper left corner, and a few dings and tears to the edges; accompanied by a carbon copy of King’s initial letter to Rivera..
Mexican artist (1886-1957). Autograph letter signed. Paris. 04.05.1920. 8vo. 1 p.
$ 4,919 / 4.500 €
(80862/BN52741)
Insightful letter to the art critic Gustave Coquiot (1865-1926), thanking him for a favorable reference in his publication "Les indépendants. 1884-1920". Rivera also mentions that he didn't exhibit anything in the past two years but invites Coquiot to see some of his works on display in two different galleries: "I just saw your highly interesting book on 'The independent artists' and I allow myself to thank you for the words of sympathy that you dedicate therein to a part of my work. I have not exhibited anything in the past two years, but during this time I have worked as much as I could.
At the moment I have some drawings and some paintings at the portrait exhibition at Crès [...] and at Blot with my comrades, I would be grateful if you could go and see it if, without too much trouble, you can find a free moment [...]". - The letter was written shortly before Rivera received a grant from the Mexican government to travel to Italy. There he studied frescoes like those of Giotto and Michelangelo, which would have enormous influence on his later work upon his return to Mexico in 1921. - Some foxing and browing..