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French artist (1881–1955) best known for his brightly colored, cubist and machine-age-influenced abstractions. ADS in French, signed “F. Leger,” one page, 8 x 10.5, February 19, 1941. Handwritten testimonial in support of his future wife, Nadia Grabowski, in full (translated): "I, the undersigned, certify that Madame Grabowska, a painter, directed my painting school for four years. Many foreign students came to this school to learn modern French art. For promotional purposes, Madame Grabowska organized student exhibitions every year. Her work was entirely artistic, and I am pleased to attest to her impeccable character throughout her time in France. Before becoming the director of our students, she was my student for many years." On the reverse, he also writes: "Madame Grabowska volunteered in the camouflage sections organized by the Fine Arts administration." Stamped at the conclusion in ink by the police commissioner. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and toning, and multiple horizontal folds.
Born in Belarus in 1904, Nadia Khodasevich married the Polish painter Stanisław Grabowski in 1923 before coming to Paris to complete her artistic training, where she participated in the 1924 exhibition of the Fernand Léger Studio at the Académie Moderne. This certificate was required during the occupation by the administrative authorities for any foreigner residing in the capital. They lived under the constant threat of expulsion—thus Leger's specification that her activity is "entirely artistic." The stakes were high for the painter, since "Madame Grabowska" was not only his collaborator—she would become his wife in 1952.
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