MAGRITTE (René). - Lot 193

MAGRITTE (René). Born in Lessines (Belgium). 1898–1967. Belgian surrealist painter. Autograph letter signed “René Magritte” to “Dear Mr. Larcade.” No place, January 8, 1960. 1 page, in-4 format, on fine vellum (folded). The Belgian surrealist painter is exhibiting his works in America at the Iolas Gallery…Following my visit to Steinhacher, we had to change the shipping method for the paintings: temporary export would have required the paintings to be returned to Belgium. However, Mr. Iolas [the art dealer Alexandre Ìolas] wants to ship them to America after the exhibition. The shipment will therefore be made under “Transit” status. Furthermore, please let Mr. Iolas know that, following customs formalities, I must deposit the $1,000 check with my bank (payment for the license)…The Greek-born art dealer Alexandre Iolas, who had been living in the United States since 1945 (where he initially directed the Hugo Gallery, founded by R. Rothschild and Elisabeth Arden), played a leading role in promoting the work of the Belgian surrealist painter in America. In 1960, he organized a Magritte exhibition at the Galerie Rive Droite in Paris, followed by a retrospective (in 1962) at his New York gallery.