FINI (Leonor, also known as Léonor) (1908–1996). French surr - Lot 158

Lot n° 158
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120 - 200 EUR
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FINI (Leonor, also known as Léonor) (1908–1996). French surr - Lot 158
FINI (Leonor, also known as Léonor) (1908–1996). French surrealist painter, lithographer, theater set designer, and writer of Italian origin, born in Buenos Aires. Autograph letter signed “Leonor” to “Dear Pierre” [Pierre Besse]. No place, no date [Nonza, Corsica, August 9, 1960, according to the postmark]. 4 folio-sized pages, in red ink, on white paper. Autograph envelope franked with a stamp and postmarks from Nonza. A very interesting letter, particularly lively and spontaneous, in which Leonor Fini reproaches her correspondent for his lack of gratitude for gifts received, mentions a Gallé vase, photographs of furniture, and numerous delivery problems. From her home in Nonza, Corsica, the artist writes to her friend Pierre Besse to clear up a misunderstanding. He had apparently reproached her for not thanking him for sending a vase and photographs of furniture. Leonor Fini responds with some vehemence: “Kot writes to me that you are BITTER because I did not thank you for the Gallé vase and the furniture photos. ” She assures him that she had already sent a letter specifically dedicated to expressing her thanks, but laments the unreliability of the mail service between Corsica and the mainland: “What a tragedy—if that very letter didn’t arrive... ” She then expresses outrage at her correspondent’s attitude, in a phrase as direct as it is characteristic of her temperament: “So does Sylvia feed the letters to the donkey?” The artist points out that she has always taken care to thank her friends, while expressing her personal view of generosity: “But learn to be truly generous and not to give gifts or show kindness just to receive thanks. ” Throughout the letter, she also mentions her mother, difficulties with telephone communication, and certain family troubles. She notes that she particularly appreciated the vase she was given, whose shape reminded her of an antique object: “The lovely vase is shaped like a ‘lacrymator.’ ” This mention is accompanied by a decorative plan that reveals her taste for works of art: “I dreamed of a small room full of Gallet vases, etc.” She concludes by wishing her correspondent a happy vacation, not without a final touch of irony regarding her “poor” appearance. This correspondence offers a very personal insight into Leonor Fini’s independent, passionate, and sometimes impetuous character, as well as her taste for the decorative arts and antique objects. The mention of the Gallé vase is particularly interesting. The works of Émile Gallé and the École de Nancy hold an important place in the history of the decorative arts, and this letter illustrates the attention Leonor Fini paid to them. The artist regularly stayed at a former convent in Nonza, on Cap Corse, surrounded by her close friends, notably Stanislao Lepri and Konstanty Jeleński, known as Kot. This place became one of her main summer retreats and a special setting for her work and correspondence. Condition: Showing signs of use. Old creases, wrinkles, and signs of handling. A few small tears along the margins. The envelope has significant tears and missing sections due to having been opened. The red ink handwriting is well-preserved and perfectly characteristic of the artist.
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