Mikhail Larionov (Russian, 1881 - 1964). "Paris Painters' Balls, Letter #1". Autograph letter signed. 1951. Provenance: Bloomsbury Auctions, London. Letters by Larionov are rarely seen on the market. This is an important letter relating to the Russian ball programs of the 1920s. Autograph letter (in another hand) signed "M. Larionov." Written in French, dated October 10, 1951, from Larionov address of 16 Rue Jacques Callot, Paris, 6th to Ifan Kyrle Fletcher (in London?). Single-sided 1 p. 4to (10 1/2 x 8 1/4 in). Complete English translation as follows: "Thank you very much for the prospectus of 'Splendid Occasions in English History 1520-1947.' I cannot subscribe to this edition but I will do everything possible to promote your album. This publication is very interesting. If this interests you, I would like to propose some Ball programs that took place in the first quarter of the 20th century. These are programs of balls organized by artists-painters from Montparnasse. I have 200 copies, each one includes posters, tickets, etc….based on Gontcharova, Picasso, etc. drawings. You could make an ensemble cover and publish the 200 numbered copies under your company's name, like Jacques Brunoff did with the rest of his programs from the Russian Ballet. I think you could sell each copy for about 10 shillings. At the same time I am sending you a copy of the programs. I can send you 200 identical sets. I want 50 pounds sterling for the 200 copies. If you want to add some reproductions to the publication I can provide 10-20 printing plates (in copper and zinc) for an additional cost. Please let me know if this is convenient for you. I also have very rare documents about balls (etchings, color lithographs, etc….originals from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries) and two small volumes of 'Memories of Rigoleboche,' a famous dancer at balls from the era of Napoleon III, with a photographic portrait (a rare thing for its time). I am much better now but I still live in the countryside.". [21596] |400| {R100}