Scarce group lot of six items from Marlon Brando, consisting of one TLS and five unsigned original sketches, all of which derive from the personal collection of Brando’s business manager and lifelong companion, JoAn Corrales.
The letter, signed “M, 12/16/02," one page, 8.5 x 11, December 4, 2002, addressed to Corrales, reads, in part: "Instead of those two tin cans on a string, you have now got the best Nokia cell phone, has sent me on an honorary pre-production version of this remarkable device. It now costs close to $10,000.00 and they have only made 800 units…It can be used as a radio depending on the frequency; you will be able to speak from Los Angeles to New York by radio, by private frequency. You can encode it to the 4th degree exceeded only by CIA, FBI and other intelligent device. You are able to monitor those frequencies, providing you decode them. However, it is against the law to do so. A FAT FUCK I CARE ABOUT THAT, AS WE KNOW."
The five sketches, accomplished in graphite and ink on sheets ranging in size from 6 x 4 to 9 x 12, contain drawings of his elderly father, Marlon Brando, Sr., and various aspects of a forest retreat, which includes trees, teepees, a lake, and a “Camp Layout.” In overall fine condition.
Accompanied by detailed letters of authenticity signed by Corrales, including a remembrance of Brando’s habit of calling her in the middle of the night and his penchant for practical jokes (especially interesting letter as it demonstrates Brando’s somewhat erratic personality), and an anecdotal letter describing Brando’s relationship with art.
