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Lot #616
Edvard Munch

Rare 1918 letter by the painter of ‘The Scream’

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Description

Rare 1918 letter by the painter of ‘The Scream’

Norwegian artist (1863–1944) whose brooding, anguished paintings and graphic works, based on personal grief and obsessions, were instrumental in the development of expressionism. ALS in German, one page on a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, April 5, 1918. Letter to international art dealer and collector Hugo Perls. In full (translated): “Thank you very much! received everything: money, roses, letter—shipped box via express mail today—beautiful weather here, and much work—will write more tomorrow or as soon as I have time.” In very good condition, with two significant vertical folds (one passing through first letter of signature) and a bit of soiling.

In 1913, Hugo Perls purchased a large collection of Munch’s prints, and also commissioned the artist to paint a portrait of him and his wife Kaethe. In the year he penned this letter, Munch had a major exhibition at Blomqvist’s gallery comprised of 30-years-worth of work covering the themes of love, anxiety, and death in a cycle of paintings he called The Frieze of Life—this included his best-known artwork, ‘The Scream.’ With a nice art-world association, and dating from the important period that saw the culmination of Munch’s lifetime of work, this is an exceptionally rare and highly sought after piece. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #432 - Ended July 16, 2014





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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