Autograph letter signed, two pages (both sides), 5,75 x 7,5 inch, Stampa (Switzerland), October 1944, in French, to his childhood friend Alice Hirschfeld - Alberto Giacometti translates a song for her while expressing his impatience to be back in an area where they can more readily receive news, written and signed in black ink "Alberto", with very mild signs of wear - in nearly very fine condition.
Translated:
"Dear Alice
Thank you very much for your very kind letter and for everything you say in it. We are still here until the beginning of November, but this year I am impatient to leave, to be in a city and to be better informed of what is going on. Under different external conditions I would find it very beautiful here, and also if my work were in a different state. Here is an approximate translation of the song: Rosetta my dear, I am full of sadness, must I live without you? That I cannot, I know it. Beautiful Rosetta, my heart is troubled. I am like a ([crossed out]? (fly I don't understand this word) in a barn and cannot get out, so my heart is going to burst. You have not freed me, I am undone by pain, good night, I am leaving, of death I am not afraid. I am not certain of that word 'musch'. Other than this, I know very little or, rather, nothing at all of the songs of Grisons or even those of the valley. I don't know what else to say this morning, and I will send you these few words. Once I am in Geneva I will let you know and, I hope, see you soon. As I've read, Sillone has returned to Italy, his exile is finally over. I am not familiar with the sculptor giving Madeline lessons. I will be better, I hope, once I have left.
very affectionately - Your Alberto"
