Description
Autograph letter signed, one page - on the reverse of an uncancelled postcard of Innsbruck (Austria), 5,5 x 3,5 inch, dated only "Thursday", in French, to his childhood friend Alice Hirschfeld - Alberto Giacometti sends best wishes for a birthday and writes about a trip, written and signed in black ink "Alberto G.", with very mild signs of wear - in nearly very fine condition. Accompanied by an additional Certificate of Authenticity from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
"chère Alice
Cet après-midi, je vous ai écrit une carte, mais si mal que je ne pouvais pas l'envoyer. C'est vrai que cette fois ça ne me semble pas beaucoup mieux, mais ça elle partira quand même. Vous avez eut votre anniversaire mercredi ? Je vous envoye un peux un retard tout mes souhaits, je ne sais pas si c'est écrit juste [with arrow pointing back to"souhaits"]. Nous avons fait hier un beau voyage et demain nous rentrons, je suis bien content, j'ai presque le mal du pays ! J'espère de vous revoir bientôt, je serais bien heureux. Je ne sais pas finir une carte, alors je m'arrêter ici.
[in margin] Je vous prie de pardonner la manière comme c'est écrit."
Translated:
"Dear Alice
This afternoon I wrote you a postcard, but it was so bad I could not send it. It's true that this one doesn't seem to me to be much better, but it will still go. Was it your birthday Wednesday? I am sending you all my best wishes a bit late, I'm not sure if that's the right spelling [with arrow pointing back to "wishes"]. We took a lovely trip yesterday and tomorrow we are coming back, I am quite happy, I'm almost homesick! I hope to see you soon, I would be quite happy. I don't know how to end a postcard, so I will stop here.
[in margin] I ask that you excuse the way it is written."
Further Information on the person
Profession:
(1901-1966) Swiss sculptor, painter, draftsman and printmaker. Beginning in 1922, he lived and worked mainly in Paris but regularly visited his hometown Borgonovo to see his family and work on his art.
Year of Birth: 1901
Alberto Giacometti was an influential Swiss sculptor, painter and draughtsman who was born in Borgonovo, Switzerland in 1901. He is best known for his slender, elongated figures which are often portrayed in a state of existential anguish. Giacometti’s works are seen as a major influence in 20th century sculpture and he is considered to be one of the most important sculptors of the modern era.
Giacometti began his artistic career at an early age and was encouraged by his father, Giovanni Giacometti, who was himself an accomplished painter. In 1922, he moved to Paris to study sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts and was soon immersed in the modern art scene of the city. He was heavily influenced by cubism and surrealism, as well as the work of artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Braque.
Giacometti’s early works were mainly figurative works, often depicting couples or groups of people. His sculptures were known for their delicate, yet expressive lines and graceful forms. His works also had a strong sense of realism, with figures often rendered in a state of contemplation or despair.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Giacometti began to develop his signature style of sculpture, characterized by the elongated, attenuated figures for which he would become famous. He sought to capture the inner essence of his figures, often depicting them as though they were in a state of existential anguish. He explained that these figures were “an attempt to reach the real and the absolute”.
Giacometti’s works also had a strong psychological element, with many of his sculptures focusing on themes of alienation, isolation, and existential despair. He believed that his sculptures were an attempt to capture the “inner reality” of the human experience. He also had a keen interest in the relationship between the artist and the artwork, exploring the idea that the creative process was a way of “seeking the truth”.
Giacometti’s works have had a lasting impact on modern art, with his sculptures being highly sought after by museums and private collectors alike. He is seen as a pioneer of modern sculpture and his works are some of the most iconic images of 20th century art. Giacometti’s work continues to inspire artists today, and his legacy will continue to endure for generations to come.
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