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Lot #270
Joan Miro Autograph Letter Signed

"I only admire artists that have a divine spark and not those who don’t. I am very categorical on that point. All the rest are just jokes"

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Estimate: $1500+
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Description

"I only admire artists that have a divine spark and not those who don’t. I am very categorical on that point. All the rest are just jokes"

ALS signed “Miro,” four pages, 8.5 x 11, Son Abrines, Calamajor, Palma de Mallorca letterhead, July 20, 1959. A lengthy handwritten letter sent to Henri Matarasso, a famous publisher and great collector of things related to the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, in part (translated): “I was very happy to receive your good news and especially to learn that you are planning a trip to Mallorca. At the time…we will certainly be absent from Palma but as you have to go through Barcelona our friend the hat maker Prats will tell you exactly where we are so that you can see us. If you do come to Mallorca there will always be my daughter and my son-in-law who will be delighted to see you. The hotel that you mentioned to me is the Prince Alfonso Hotel. Nevertheless, if we were to change the date of our departure I will certainly let you know. Quite recently I have seen Jacque Cocteau in Paris…in the Adrien Maeght gallery, but in the manner that he greeted me I had the impression that he had not recognized me. What a treat for me it will be to go through your book Picasso’s Atelier, for which I thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart. I didn’t know the Illuminations published by you and I’m very anxious to see the volume that must be precious and moving. You can suppose my dear friend the admiration that I have for Rimbaud. I always have a volume of his poetry at my bedside and in my atelier. I only admire artists that have a divine spark and not those who don’t. I am very categorical on that point. All the rest are just jokes. What you propose to me is very tempting but an enterprise of such ambition and such responsibility I need time to think and find the right moment to attack such a monument as Rimbaud. For the time being, I can’t even dream of it because I am absorbed by my exhibition of June 1960 which will serve as a prologue to that of June 1961. That should have a great impact and be an important step. In the meantime and in what concerns my graphic work I would like to finish everything that is right now being done to start a new period with fresh ideas.” Five days later, on July 25th, Miro adds: “I have kept this letter waiting to receive the copy of your Rimbaud but because it seems to be late, I send it to you anyway. My wife and I would like to greet you and Madame Matarasso and send our most affectionate thoughts.” Signed beautifully at the conclusion by Miro. In fine condition. A significant letter penned at the height of his fame and rife with artistic associations.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #668 - Ended June 14, 2023





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