255 - LÉVY-DHURMER (Lucien) (1865–1953).

LÉVY-DHURMER (Lucien) (1865–1953). French Symbolist painter, sculptor, and ceramicist. Born in Algiers. A leading figure in French Symbolism, particularly renowned for his pastels with their mysterious and poetic atmospheres. Autograph letter signed “Lévy-Dhurmer” to Mr. Paquin. No place or date. 4 pages, in-8 format, in black ink on slightly bluish paper. A lovely, friendly letter, full of wit and imagination, in which Lucien Lévy-Dhurmer discusses Monte Carlo, the pleasures of conversation, and offers a delightful description of Parisian life. Apologizing for his late reply, the painter explains with humor: “I lack the peaceful calm of Monte Carlo—pointless hustle and bustle and necessary work make pleasure a rare thing—and it is a pleasure just to spend a little time with you. Chatting would be a sweet dream.” He then addresses his correspondent affectionately, urging him to make the most of his stay in the sun: “You who want to grind down the gray, who won’t let the blue rays of the water and the sky penetrate you! Must I scold you, like a timid prefect? ” While waiting for the promised postcards, he asks about the date of his return and paints a vivid and ironic picture of the capital: “There, people wade through chocolate—the sky is café au lait—cranes get married there—honest people get divorced there. ” He concludes with a particularly evocative phrase: “In short, the city is the city: art, money, beauty, ugliness, goodness—goodness above all…” An interesting letter with a witty and poetic tone, revealing Lévy-Dhurmer’s sensitivity and his taste for imagery and color associations, hallmarks of his Symbolist worldview. The contrast between the blue rays of Monte Carlo and the “café au lait” sky of Paris lends this correspondence a very special charm.