Dutch-Indonesian painter (1858–1928) who worked in various styles, including Symbolism and Art Noveau. ALS in Dutch, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 8.5, March 10, 1922. Letter to Miss Rahuse, in full (translated): “I may call you dear Ina, may I not? I wanted to send you this drawing, I made for you a couple of days ago, but I postponed due to circumstances and hard work (I actually came here to rest my painful legs). You were in my thoughts a lot though, and your work, of which I saw so many fine examples. I sincerely hope, dear Ina, that this drawing I lovingly made for you, will support you in your aspirations and directing your career. May you make strong and steady progress, may your work be inspired and above all practice your figure and portrait (psychological) drawing. Later on you will be able to elaborate your fantasies into strong and expressive drawings. I received a letter from Greet Feuerstein, mentioning your recent birthday. Such a shame I did not know of it earlier, I would certainly have sent you the drawing before. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations. May the future hold happiness in every way. May God be with you in your artistic aspirations, may your work blossom into beautiful creations. My sincere congratulations. Are you enjoying your work, does spring sparkle you and are your works maybe more sparkling as well? I recently finished a new ‘Mary with Child,’ a small drawing in color. I will show it to you as soon I have returned to The Hague. I will arrive around the 26th of March. I am also working on a sketch for a leaded glass in the St. Jacob’s Church in The Hague. Could you please let me know when the drawing has arrived and if you like it? Hope to hear from you soon.” Some light spreading of ink to signature, not affecting legibility, otherwise fine condition. A highly influential contemporary of Dutch greats Marinus Zwart and Piet Mondrian, Toorop converted to Catholicism in 1905 and began producing mostly religious art from that point forward. In 1922, he was commissioned to design a stained-glass window for the newly restored Grote (Jacobs) Church in The Hague. After designing a stunning window representing the Epiphany, thousands of Protestant parishioners protested, leading The Hague church wardens to reject Toorop’s work. Never executed, the sketch ended up in the archiepiscopal museum. Letters from this Dutch master rarely come to auction, this being the first we have ever offered. RR Auction COA.
