Frantisek KUPKA and the Cubism and Abstract Art exhibition in New York.

Frantisek KUPKA (1871.1957).

Autographed letter signed to his friend, art critic Georges Turpin.

Three large octavo pages in French. Autograph envelope.

Puteaux (postmark). July 22, 1936.

"The press in general has displayed a most lamentable ignorance of art."

Superb letter from Kupka evoking the Cubism and Abstract Art held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York from March 2 to April 19, 1936, during which he exhibited several works.

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“My dear friend, this time I am obliged to ask your sincere, sincere forgiveness. Since the opening of the exhibition at the Jeu de Paumes, I have not yet found a way to thank you for your first article in “Ville de Paris,” and you, of all the printed material concerning me, have written the most clearly and with the insight of a true expert . (Truly, the press in general has shown itself to be utterly lamentable in its ignorance of art, and particularly insipid with regard to any attempt to escape the illogicality of traditional painting ).”

Now, I must thank you again for a second article published in "La Griffe" that you were kind enough to send me, and which is also very good. I am certainly well-rested, but I still have my leg to take care of, and since the exhibition closed, I haven't yet found the time to stay in bed for two weeks without moving , as the doctor ordered. I had to run errands in Paris, for which I couldn't find someone to replace me, and as a result, my leg is still more or less the same. Today I'm writing to you from bed; oh, the tiny handwriting! On top of all that, I'm broke ; we're counting every penny at home. I sent my membership and dues to Mr. Pierre Massé. It remains to be seen whether I'll be able to send anything to the "line" exhibition, as I have nothing new to show. Perhaps by then you will have the opportunity to come to Puteaux and choose for yourself.

You asked me for a catalogue of my exhibition. The package has been ready for some time. Fortunately, there's no rush, as long as it's just a matter of putting it in your archive. I also have an 18th-century book written by a Turpin; you might find that interesting. At the moment, I'm trying to figure out how I can at least make amends to you; I owe you a great deal. I hope the good weather returns soon so you can enjoy your vacation and get some rest, because you need it too. Give our compliments to Mrs. Turpin, our best regards, and believe me, yours sincerely, Kupka.