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Lot #715
Rene Magritte Autograph Letter Signed

Magritte titles a surrealist work: "It has to be reproduced in America under the title 'The Presence of Mind'"

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

Magritte titles a surrealist work: "It has to be reproduced in America under the title 'The Presence of Mind'"

ALS in French, one page, 5.25 x 8, September 31, 1960. Letter to a friend regarding the titles of artworks, in part (translated): "Enclosed herewith is the document duly filled out. We could name the streetlight with a rose 'The Necessities of the Cause'—because the title must not name the picture we had thought of: it has to be reproduced in America under the title 'The Presence of Mind.' It could be complicated to change anything now that the printing is in progress. Besides, known as 'The Presence of Mind' thanks to important publicity, wouldn't it be difficult to call the painting anything else for an art show or in a book that would again reproduce the picture?…P.S. 'The Good Word' would also work quite well for the streetlight with the rose. You choose. Do you want to upper case the words for the titles in the catalogue?" In fine condition.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Revolutionary War
  • Dates: #612 - Ended July 14, 2021





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