83 - Kokoschka, Oskar

Kokoschka, Oskar Collection of 2 handwritten letters signed by the artist (1886–1980), including references to the assassination of J.F. Kennedy, as well as 2 hand-signed Christmas cards. Circa 1961–1963. Includes: 2 original letters to art critic John Russell (1919–2008). Written on blue stationery with a printed address header. Dated March 7, 1961, and November 20, 1963. 1.5 and 2 pages on 1 sheet (each approx. 20.5 x 14.5 cm). - "I am not a political cartoonist; if I were, I would now draw a scathing depiction of a scene from *Richard III*, Act I, Scene 2, where the murderer is shedding tears and courting the queen, the widow of his victim. I liked the mention in the papers of how Gromyko cried during the condolence visit at the American Embassy in Moscow. And what an unfortunate twist of fate that Kennedy had to sit in the car next to Connally, for whom the communist boy had specifically obtained an exit visa—along with his wife’s—from the Soviet authorities in order to carry out the shooting. That he never intended to kill the head of the American state was his confession—at least, before he, too, was silenced! “This is the official version intended to save society from another world war and to allow for the continuation of peaceful commercial relations.”—2 illustrated Christmas fold-out cards with original illustrations by Oskar and Olda Kokoschka.—Overall in good condition. Collection of 2 autograph letters signed by the artist (1886–1980), including correspondence regarding the assassination of J.F. Kennedy, and 2 signed Christmas cards. - Contains: 2 letters to the art critic John Russell (1919–2008). On blue stationery with a printed address header. - 2 illustrated Christmas folding cards signed by Oskar and Olda Kokoschka. - Overall in good condition. This lot is subject to standard taxation. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union. This lot is subject to the standard tax regime. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints, and photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.