Signed autograph letter "Leonor Fini" [to Gérard Leman] [Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire] "May 22" [1979], 4 pp. Folio Autograph envelope with cancellation stamp attached. The surrealist artist vehemently rejects any honor concerning herself. She takes the opportunity to recommend several of her dedicated works to her correspondent.
"Dear Sir, You are very kind but I hate 'honors'. I refuse them and those who accept them become more or less suspicious to me. I excuse you because you don't know me.
Therefore, get I° the book by L. It is out of print - but the II 'enriched' edition will be released in the fall. You can also find at the Musée de Poche 122 blvd Raspail the recent reissue (with poor reproductions - alas) with text by Xavière Gauthier and enlightening biographical notes. I will inform you of other 'enlightening' publications in preparation. I also inform you of a beautiful book published by Regard - 67 rue de Montorgueil - with a very beautiful text - a book of very recent drawings. I mention this because there will be no exhibition of mine this summer, there have been.[and] there were 2 in Paris this winter Nov [ember] And Dec [ember] of painting and drawings. In October (towards the end of October) there will almost certainly be an exhibition of books (art editions and engravings. I will say to send you an invitation. And as for 'honors', I have accepted one: to be the honorary president of the École du chat (committee for the defense of free animals) With my friendly thoughts, Leonor Fini.
" A prominent figure in surrealism, Leonor Fini was a very prolific artist in the fields of painting, printmaking, lithography, theater decoration, and writing. Many poets, writers, painters, and critics will dedicate monographs, essays, exhibition prefaces, or poems to her.
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