Georges BRAQUE / Signed Autograph Letter / Painting / Cubism / Occupation

  
Autographed letter signed "Georges Braque" to Daniel Wallard S. L, February 19, 19[44], 4 pages.

In-12° The date "44" has been added in another hand in the upper right corner, with a few minor stains that are not serious. Braque wishes to return to work and his painting after a major operation. I have not forgotten you either, but I have been cut off from life for a good month.

I underwent an operation which was not serious, but it kept me in bed for a month. Everything went very well, and I am very happy to feel liberated from a disability that has been haunting me for 5 years. I will now get back to work; I have a strong desire to do so. I did receive your letter where you mentioned the news about Pierre [Seghers], but as you can see, I was unable to follow up on your request.

that I am eagerly awaiting, thinking of that young hero. We have received lard and butter: It comes at the right time! Last minute - we received the 3rd package of lard, but here the butter is completely missing. Thanks again from my wife. A thousand good wishes for you and your wife.

The painter had just undergone surgery for a double stomach ulcer (Picasso came to see him every day). Initially sheltered in Limousin, then in the Pyrénées, the Braque couple returned to Paris where he spent the entirety of the war, in a studio built by Auguste Perret, on rue du Douanier. The latter, who had introduced him to the National Committee of Writers in 1941, allowed Wallard to meet Louis Aragon, Paul Valéry, and Paul Éluard.

Two years later, Paulhan introduced him to Marie Laurencin, Marcelle and Georges Braque, Georges Rouault, and André Masson. Collection Inès and Gérard Sassier Artcurial, October 22.