163 - FINI (Leonor) (1908–1996).

FINI (Leonor) (1908–1996). French painter, lithographer, theater set designer, and writer of Italian origin. A unique figure in Surrealism, Leonor Fini developed an artistic universe populated by sphinxes, cats, and mysterious female figures. Throughout her life, she maintained a passionate relationship with animals, particularly cats, which were ever-present in both her daily life and her work. Autograph letter signed “Votre Leonor” to Pierre Besse. No place, no date [Nonza, Corsica, July 1965]. 3 folio-sized pages, in green ink. Original autographed envelope preserved, franked with three 30-centime stamps, with postmarks from Nonza dated July 15, 1965. A very beautiful personal letter in which Leonor Fini speaks with great intensity about her love for cats, her deep distress following a departure, and her concerns for her correspondent’s health. The artist begins by thanking Pierre Besse for his letters, then confides in him about her particularly gloomy state of mind: “In my last letter, I spoke only of cats—I’m obsessed with them—and after the Venemains left yesterday, I let myself sink into prostration—sadness—despair [...] awful pessimism. ” She explains that the storm and the violent mistral wind are exacerbating her unease and that she no longer feels like painting. She is particularly concerned about the behavior of a cat she suspects of threatening the younger ones: “I’m afraid he’ll go on a killing spree in the room with the three little ones because he wants to climb up there too, Mitzi—and yet here I am talking about cats! ” This concern reveals Leonor Fini’s almost obsessive attachment to her animals, whose every move she monitors. She then addresses Pierre Besse with affectionate candor, reproaching him for not taking proper care of himself: “I wanted to ask your forgiveness for not taking an interest in news of your health—for not scolding you for not taking care of yourself [...] I know you won’t listen to me—or anyone else. ” She advises him to rest and take a vacation, before mentioning news about those around her. In particular, she recounts Margherita’s physical transformation—she has lost four kilos in thirteen days—and Enrico’s imminent arrival. She concludes by expressing her gratitude toward two of her loved ones, including the painter Stanislao Lepri: “Kot and Stanislao are angels to me—yesterday they were terrified by my stubborn sadness.” In a postscript, she again touches on matters of home improvement and asks Pierre Besse to help her mother have some wire fencing installed, presumably to protect her cats. This correspondence offers a particularly vivid insight into Leonor Fini’s personality, her inner circle, and her passionate relationship with animals. Far from being a mere courtesy letter, it reveals her anxieties, her bouts of melancholy, and the essential role her cats play in her life and emotional well-being. The mention of Stanislao Lepri, the artist’s painter and partner, as well as Konstanty Jeleński, known as Kot, enhances its biographical interest. Condition: Good overall condition. Age-related creases, some wrinkles, and slight signs of handling. Envelope preserved with stamps and postmarks.