85 - KOKOSCHKA, Oskar (1886–1982).

KOKOSCHKA, Oskar (1886–1982). Autograph letter signed “OKokoschka,” Villeneuve (Vaud), February 15, 1964, to Édouard RODITI in Paris; 2 pages, in-8 format, on blue paper bearing his letterhead and address; envelope; in English. Note: They were deeply saddened to learn of Roditi’s illness and hope that he will make a swift recovery after his surgery. His splendid youth must certainly have already helped him overcome difficult times, and his work has gained in intensity and generosity toward Kokoschka’s own work. Roditi’s writings on his work helped him greatly during one of his many crises: “With your splendid youth, you certainly must have successfully overcome several difficult challenges, and your work has gained in intensity and generosity toward my own work (for example) because what you wrote about it did inspire me when I was going through one of my many crises”… . He thanks him for his kindness and asks him to visit them again, especially with the American artist Dorothea BLUM, should she come to Switzerland—he would be delighted to advise her if she would be willing to show him her work. He announces that he has had to give up his teaching position at his School of Vision: “Unfortunately, I can no longer continue my beloved School of Vision, and last summer I said goodbye to them all […] 350 students from all over […] north and south, America and Europe, even some Frenchmen […]. It is a loss for me and the younger generation of artists because no one can replace me”…