TLS in French, signed “Sincerement votre, H. Matisse,” two pages, 8.25 x 10.75, September 18, 1951. Letter to Monroe Wheeler, the Exhibitions and Publications coordinator at New York's Museum of Modern Art, in full (translated): "I take advantage of the departure of my son Pierre, who takes the plane tomorrow to give him for you the two covers that you asked me to compose. First of all, I must apologize for not having composed the cover of the catalog in only three colors. This was not possible for me and I hope that it will appeal to the public so that you will sell enough to cover the cost of printing the six colors. Here are some observations about his impression.
1. To help the printer to find absolutely faithful colors for printing, I have attached samples of these colors from larger areas to the composition.
2. The black of the eyes must be the same as that of the black band.
3. The names of the Museums which make up the exhibition must be printed in small but very black letters on the lower white stripe.
4. The small white lines between the bands of colors must not exist: the junction of the two colors is a straight line.
5. For the thickness of the back of the catalog please add the necessary amount of yellow and pink to the cover fold line.
For the jacket of Mr. Barr's book — I always thought it was a binding cover you asked for and I am very surprised that it should only be used as a jacket. You can print the title of the book on the red part of the spine.
As for the lithograph that I had given to the Mourlot house, I will not be able to sign and number all the proofs. Being a little tired now, this work would be too long for me. So I remembered that your first idea was that I sign the lithograph in the body of the plate, and it was I who told you that I would do more—I will sign each proof. I see I apologize for not having carried out my good intention. As you will see from the list of works that I lend you, I cannot have a portrait of Schoukine. On the other hand, I lend you my last composition for a stained glass window. I saw a shipment from your packer yesterday and we have agreed that he will take all of them; works before September 30." In fine condition.
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