English archaeologist (1851-1941) most famous for unearthing the palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete. ALS in French, signed “Arthur J. Evans,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, personal letterhead, February 7, 1909. Letter to French art historian and essayist Elie Faure. Evans writes about the frescos found in the palace at Knossos in Crete, and the publication of a book on the subject. In part (translated): "I’ve been sent your letter from Crete…The cause of the delay in the publication of the fresco is a great difficulty in the reconstitution of the fragments. With the collaboration of Mr. Sullivan I have made many tries that we have had to correct and start again especially in the case of the minotaurs." In fine condition, with light stains to two corners of the signed page. An important letter, as Evans has been accused of over-restoring Crete—this letter stands as evidence of his attempts. Today, the so-called 'Bull-Leaping Fresco' is the most well-known of what Evans called 'The Taureador Frescos,' presented in Chapter III of his monumental work on Knossos and Minoan Civilization, Palace of Minos.
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