88 - Konstantin Dmitrievich BALMONT, also known as Don (1867–1942)

Konstantin Dmitrievich BALMONT, also known as Don (1867–1942) Lot consisting of 4 handwritten letters and 5 postcards from 1925 to 1931, in Russian, addressed to Jurgis Kasimirovich BALTRUCHAITIS and one to Maria Ivanovna Olovyanichnikova (c. 1879–1948). -Postcard dated March 24, 1925, St-Gilles-sur-Vie, Vendée. “When you were playing, all those dreadful years had never happened; we were all there, in our golden and azure past, for which I give thanks, and to which our souls have indeed remained faithful.” "Dear Ivanovna, I was very pleased to receive your letter. You know that you are very dear to me. And not just because of Yurgis. When I saw you at Zaitsev’s party, I felt how much my heart was immediately stirred. And then there was that last evening at your home. I felt so at ease at your dinner table, and while you were playing, it was as if those last monstrous years had never existed—as if you and I were right there, in our beautiful golden and azure past, which I can only speak of with blessings, and to which, after all, our souls have remained true. I hope to write to Yurgis and forward this letter to you. When I wrote about Scriabin, those days came alive before my eyes, and you felt it with your musical heart. I kiss your hands. Yours, K. Balmont." -Letter of August 25, 1930, requesting that books he may have lost be sought in Kaunas, and sending his regards to those who might remember him there. "Dear Jurgis, I greet you in this city of Kaunas, which has charmed me, and where it was so wonderful to meet you again" "Dear Jurgis, I greet you in Kaunas, which has charmed me, where we met so happily. Please ask around and see if you can find my books: *Egyptian Grammar*, *Vedic Hymns*, and *Polynesian Tales*. Greetings to those who remember me. Yours, Don.” —L.A.S. dated September 17, 1931; having finished a collection of poetry about Lithuania and Russia, he anxiously awaits payment, fearing he may have to leave his villa. He has received a few advances, including one from the Lithuanian embassy in Paris, but he does not know what the total amount of his income is supposed to be or when it will be paid to him. He asks J.K. Baltruchaïtis if he can inquire about it, “NECESSITAS”. “My *Northern Lights* from Mida has finally become a reality. I have already read the first proofs of the entire book, and I am expecting the two typeset proofs any day now. I would now like to receive payment for the book, and since it is impossible for me to remain any longer in my damp villa, I am in dire need of an immediate money transfer.” MC Provenance -Jurgis Kasimirovich Baltruchaïtis (1873–1944), Lithuanian diplomat and poet. -Their son, Jurgis Jurgissovich Baltruchaïtis (1903–1988), historian. -His wife, Hélène Baltruchaïtis (1908–2004), née Castel-Focillon, daughter of Henri Focillon (1881–1943). -Then through descendants.