MAGNELLI, Alberto (1888–1971), Autograph Letter Signed, La Ferrage, Plan-de-Grasse, 14 September 1949.

In-8 (207 × 135 mm).

Insightful letter in which Magnelli discusses two contemporary projects and refers to his close friend and fellow artist Jean Arp.

He thanks his correspondent for the letter, promises to resume discussions upon his return to Paris, and notes that Jean Arp will soon be back in the capital, encouraging the recipient to visit him at his Meudon address. Magnelli urges him to coordinate with Arp regarding the planned book of lithographs. He also asks to have a good copy reserved of Jean Genet’s “L’Enfant criminel”, followed by the ballet Madame Miroir, published by Paul Morihien.

The letter is significant in the context of the wartime and postwar artistic milieu. Magnelli had met Jean Arp in Grasse during the Second World War, where, together with Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Sonia Delaunay, Ferdinand Springer, and François Stahly, they formed what became known as the Groupe de Grasse. The “book of lithographs” mentioned here very likely refers to the collaborative volume published the following year, in 1950, by the Éditions des Nourritures Terrestres, featuring original colour lithographs by Arp, Delaunay, Magnelli, and Taeuber-Arp (the latter printed with her facsimile signature).

"Cher ami,
Merci de votre lettre.
Nous reparlerons de tout à ma rentrée à Paris.
Jean Arp sera de nouveau à Paris bientôt. Tachez de le voir. 21, rue des chataigniers, Val Fleury Meudon (S. et O.).
Mettez-vous d'accord avec lui pour le livre de lithos.
Voulez-vous me retenir un "bon" volume de Jean Genet "l'Enfant criminel" suivi d'un ballet " 'adame miroir", Paul Morihien ed. ? - Merci. Bien des choses"