MANESSIER (Alfred). - Lot 197

MANESSIER (Alfred). Born in Saint-Ouen. 1911–1993. A painter, lithographer, and illustrator, he was one of the leading figures of the New School of Paris. Autograph letter: “Alf. Manessier” to “Vieux Yves, Dear Geneviève.” Paris-Plage (Le Touquet), August 13, 1934. 4 folio-sized pages. Handwritten annotations (list of color names) at the top, in another hand. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EARLY LETTER BY THIS PAINTER, A MULTIPLE RECIPIENT OF INTERNATIONAL AWARDS AND A MAJOR FIGURE IN LYRICAL ABSTRACTION.Nostalgic for Provence, where the painter had stayed with his friend Jean Le Moal a few months earlier: …I’ve just returned from a productive painting session and am taking this opportunity to write to you, because I’ve been in such a state of distress for the past 15 days—ever since I’ve been on vacation—that I didn’t dare write to anyone; well, let’s not dwell on it—it’s over now. Yes, I discovered a region of amazing dunes near here (Paris-Plage)!!! A treasure trove… During those 15 days of bad weather, I delved into the private lives of Liszt and Madame d’Agoult (their correspondence, published by Grasset)—magnificent… I highly recommend it, especially the second volume. And you, Yves, what are you up to? I hope you have less bad luck than I have. I haven’t written to Jean [Le Moal] yet; I don’t know if he’s in Rouen or Brittany, and I don’t know if he’s still painting! Let’s hope so. And what about that old “Paup”? I managed to squeeze a painting in between two storms—now it’s raining again, I’m soaked, but I’ve got it. What’s new with you? Ah! I won a third medal in the architecture competition (my parents are thrilled). As for paintings, nothing since that famous trip. A big thank you to you all: I’ve become a big olive eater (I eat them at every meal), and they’re a wonderful source of memories for me. Thank you, thank you a thousand times over... Alfred Manessier attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Amiens and then came to Paris in 1929, where he enrolled in the architecture program. Beginning in 1933, he exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants. His compositions are figurative and very colorful. He became friends with Jean Le Moal in Bissière’s studio. In 1943, during a stay at La Trappe de Soligny, he discovered the faith that would shape the rest of his life and work, and to which he would give abstract expression. A devout Christian, he was committed throughout his life to the social and political struggles of his time.