American artist (1904-1999) known for his 'magic realist' style that combined elements of eroticism and social critique. Archive of 16 ALSs by Cadmus, totaling approximately 30 pages, dated 1942-1955 (most from 1953-54). In addition to typical content, like exchanging pleasantries, making meeting arrangements, and discussing potential trips, several of his letters refer to his work. The earliest letter, June 22, 1942, encloses "a list of my other etchings for future reference," and includes a two-page handwritten list of his works. He mentions the ballet Filling Station in a 1953 letter, in part: "If work on the revival of Filling Station permits on the 11th & 12th I'll probably be backstage poking at a wig or seam or a tuck here or there." In another 1953 letter, he writes: "My notion about art books is not the same as yours. I, for instance, believe that the less that is known about an artist's life the better. I would like mine to be as unknown and mysterious as possible. The only kind of art book I approve of is one made up entirely of reproductions of the artist's work, with no text." In a 1954 letter, he writes: "Working as hard as I have been (and as I foresee I shall be doing for many, many months) on Bar Italia is very detrimental to my letter writing." In overall fine condition. Many are accompanied by the original mailing envelopes addressed in Cadmus's hand and incorporating his surname in the return address area.
