Colette asks her friend for help with a publication about cats. 1948.

Sidonie Gabrielle Colette , known as COLETTE (1873-1954)

Autographed letter signed to her friend Twinka.

Three octavo pages on paper with gold embroidered patterns, decorated with a collage.

[Paris. March 30, 1948 (according to a note in pencil)]

"Obviously, you and I prefer cats without clothes."

Colette asks her friend for help with a publication about cats.

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“Dear Twinka, whose friendship is as faithful as her memory, and who manages to make me see Easter through rose-colored glasses, here I am, lying flat—if I may say so. Yesterday I went eleven kilometers from Paris. A distance that led to a goat track… I wanted to conquer it to get into a wooden shack where my two ‘nieces,’ Paulette Gauthier-Villars and Marthe Lamy, were having a bite to eat, as happy as if they were twelve years old. Today I am paying for my foolish attempt with various aches and pains… I will not repeat it. My handwriting is ugly because I cannot find a comfortable position.”

My dearest Twinka, what do you think of Princess Mickey's expressions? Vava will have already explained that I'm expecting a genuine collaboration from you in terms of illustrations, for an album commissioned by a Swiss publisher. Of course, you and I both prefer cats without clothes. But no one understands the feline figure as well as you do. And if by chance you happen to see some illustrious foreign prince, I know you'll send me the clipping. Thank you.

Are you still coughing? The whooping cough won't let up at night. Do you think you'll ever be able to climb my wicked staircase? My dearest Twinka, I send you my warmest regards, and Maurice is respectfully and affectionately yours. Colette

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