Suite – Marc Chagall

A handwritten text from Marc Chagall to Jacques Guenne (director of the newspaper Art Vivant). Posted in Paris on December 17, 1927; 1 page in oblong telegram form, recipient’s address on reverse.

An enthusiastic letter of thanks from Chagall to Jacques Guenne after a laudatory portrait of the painter appeared in the monthly newspaper L’art Vivant.

“Mon ami, je viens de voir le numéro j’en suis confus je n’ai jamais lu sur moi pendant mes vingt ans de travail un article plus franc plus pénétrant rempli de tant d’amour grand et humain que celui que vous venez d’écrire je suis heureux de trouver en vous une grande amitié si encourageante pour moi dans mes doutes continues. Je vous embrasse. Chagall”

“My friend, I just saw the number that confused me. During my twenty years of work, I have never read a more frank article about me, filled with so much great and human love, than the one you have just written. I am glad to find in you a great friendship which so encourages me in my continual doubts. I kiss you. Chagall”

By this time, Chagall enjoyed a good reputation in Paris. He was exhibited in the rooms of the famous art dealer Ambries Vollard. But his great international success was yet to come.

The newspaper Art Vivant was devoted to art and appeared in different cycles a total of 234 times from 1925 to 1939.