LHOTE (André) (1885–1962). - Lot 259

LHOTE (André) (1885–1962). French Cubist painter, art theorist, printmaker, illustrator, and educator. One of the leading figures in modern French painting and art education in the 20th century. Autograph letter signed “André Lhote” to the essayist and critic Pierre Abraham (1892–1974). N.p. [Paris], January 16, 1934. 2 pages, in-4 format, in black ink on cream-colored paper. Two filing holes. An interesting letter in which André Lhote declines an invitation to a lecture by Pierre Abraham, while emphasizing his desire to meet and converse with him. He also mentions the writer and art critic Élie Faure. André Lhote warmly thanks his correspondent for the invitation but regrets that he cannot attend due to his particularly busy schedule: “It’s a matter of time: I’ll explain to you just how busy I am.” He would have liked to discuss with Pierre Abraham the topics covered during his lecture, but his personal obligations prevent him from doing so: “I would have liked to talk about all these things tomorrow after this session, but unfortunately Thursday [...] is precisely the day I entertain my friends. ” He nevertheless offered to host Pierre Abraham at his home, at 38 bis rue Boulard, and emphasized the possibility of a future meeting: “I fully intend to host you next Thursday.” In a lengthy postscript, the painter reiterates his invitation and mentions a letter he recently received from Élie Faure, a leading historian and art critic of his time, noting that the letter was particularly complimentary. He asks Pierre Abraham to convey his thanks to Élie Faure and concludes by expressing his regret at being unable to attend the lecture: “I’ll take the liberty of giving your invitation to a friend, who will share his impressions with me; that way, I’ll regret less not having heard your fascinating presentation. ” This correspondence attests to the intellectual and friendly relationships André Lhote maintained with the writers, critics, and art historians of his time. The mention of Élie Faure is of particular interest: he was one of the great art historians of the first half of the 20th century, best known as the author of the monumental *Histoire de l’art*. His name enhances the documentary value of this letter, even though the content of their exchanges is not elaborated upon. A painter associated with Cubism, André Lhote founded his own academy in Montparnasse in 1921. Alongside his artistic work, he produced a significant body of theoretical writing and contributed to *La Nouvelle Revue française*, among other publications. Condition: Generally good condition. Old filing creases, two marginal perforations, slight creasing. Handwriting and signature are well preserved.

Estimate:£83.71

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