ALDE
183
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PICABIA (Francis). Autograph signed letter to Stock Publishe…
See original version (French)
183
-
PICABIA (Francis). Autograph signed letter to Stock Publishe…
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
Voluntary lot
Description
PICABIA (Francis). Autograph signed letter to Stock Publishers, with an original pencil drawing. 28 September 1925. 1 p. square in-8. A curious letter, proposing a book to a publisher, the text of which is obscured by a large drawing depicting a man kissing a woman with a bare breast.
With astonishing nonchalance, Picabia writes to Stock to ask: ‘Would you be interested in publishing the book I am currently finishing: “Les moments perdus du Pape”?’ He adds: ‘You will no doubt be surprised by my proposal, given that I do not have the pleasure of knowing you, but what prompted me to write to you was the memory of Blaise Cendrars’ *Kodak* [1924], for which I produced a drawing. If my proposal appeals to you, please let me know so that I do not need to take any further steps… In a postscript: I began this book three years ago.
The receipt stamp from Stock bookshops, dated 30 September 1928, confirms that this letter from Picabia was indeed sent. Picabia’s proposal was declined: Stock would never publish his book.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Eros & Thanatos – Selected extracts from the L-D S library
Auction location
Auction time
10/07/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits:
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