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Influential poet (1875-1926) who takes a place among the most highly regarded figures in early modern literature. ALS in French, signed "R. M. Rilke," one page both sides, 7 x 9, no date. Handwritten letter to prominent Jewish author Edmond Fleg. In part (translated): "I am so sorry…not to see the Pitoeffs. I have so admired Madame Ludmilla Pitoeff in her role of St. Joan where she gave not only a full measure of her art but also of all her being, entirely devoted to the requirements of this major art. Legend has it that the salamander lives at the center of the flame. Likewise this artist, so pure, spends the whole evening's performance in the center of her own transparent fire which consumes everything around her in order to create a burning space that is essential and intangible." In fine condition, with mild toning to edges and fold, and show-through from writing on opposing sides.
Pitoeff was a well-respected French stage actress known for her extraordinary stage presence—an attribute which clearly impressed Rilke, leading him to compose this poetic description of her performance as Joan of Arc in George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan, one of her most lauded roles. Rilke's use of fire as an image throughout the letter is particularly interesting—burnt at the stake, it was fire that led to St. Joan's death, and the extended metaphor is a superb example of a literary technique Rilke often employed. In fact, his poem 'The Spanish Dancer' is very similar in its use of fire to describe an especially invigorating performance. Exceptional in literary style and rarity, this is an especially desirable Rilke letter.
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