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Argentine writer (1899–1986) renowned as a master of imaginative fiction, known for his labyrinthine stories that transformed the boundaries of modern literature. Beautiful autograph poem signed by Jorge Luis Borges, one page, 6.25 x 9.25, enhanced with a gouache illustration signed by Raul Russo, with painted heading: "Poema, 1954." An excerpt from Borges' 'Conjectural Poem,' in which the great Argentine writer theorizes on the murder of Francisco Laprida, father of Argentina's independence. In full (translated): "Dr. Francisco Laprida, assassinated on September 22, 1829, by Aldao's guerrillas, thinks before dying: Bullets whiz by in the late afternoon, there is wind and ashes in the wind, the day and the misshapen battle are scattered, and victory belongs to the others. The barbarians win, the gauchos win. I, who studied the laws and the canons, I, Francisco Narciso de Laprida, whose voice declared the Independence of these cruel provinces, defeated, my face stained with blood and sweat, without hope or fear, lost, I flee south through the last suburbs."
Below is a bright, colorful illustration done by Argentine painter Raul Russo, signed in the lower right in paint, "Russo 54." On the reverse is another illustration by Russo, entitled "Galeria Witcomb," followed by several fountain pen signatures, including those of Jorge Luis Borges, Raul Russo, artist Santiago Cogorno, poet Ricardo Molinari, and others. In fine condition.
Composed during a period of renewed national introspection in mid-20th-century Argentina, this presentation unites Borges’s literary meditation on history with Russo’s vivid visual interpretation, creating a striking collaboration between two major cultural figures. The additional signatures on the reverse further anchor the piece within the vibrant artistic and intellectual circles of Buenos Aires in the 1950s.
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