Hans BELLMER imagines designing for the works of the Marquis de Sade.

Hans Bellmer (1902.1975)

Autographed letter signed to Henri Parisot.

One page in quarto on orange onion skin paper.

[Castres – 1946]

“I would offer anyone Sade’s ‘Philosophy in the Bedroom.’ With twenty drawings.”. »

A beautiful letter from Bellmer refusing to illustrate "The Witch" in collaboration with Georges Bataille. Nevertheless, intrigued by the idea of ​​creating drawings for a publication, he suggests to Henri Parisot that he produce 20 drawings for a reissue of the Marquis de Sade's "Philosophy in the Bedroom." He concludes his letter by mentioning Joë Bousquet, who is considering a text about him and Alfred Jarry that Parisot is to publish.

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"My dearest friend, it is only now, upon resuming my usual activities—that is to say, upon returning to Castres—that I am getting around to replying to you. Please forgive the delay! I received your note in Carcassonne, and the small box containing the lithography materials, which I will begin working on very soon.".

As for "The Witch" [the project to revive Jules Michelet's essay was ultimately abandoned], it is naturally impossible for me to create the illustrations under these conditions. It's a shame that it won't happen. I would be grateful if you would apologize to Georges Bataille, who wrote the preface to "The Witch" : the misunderstanding was not on my part.

The idea of ​​doing illustrations for a book, even a reissue, isn't so bad. Personally, I'd suggest Sade's "Philosophy in the Bedroom" to anyone. With twenty illustrations. A good-sized format (like the Immaculate Conception edition).

There is a person who edited, I believe, "The History of the Eye" some time ago; his name is not Piat (?)[Pascal Pia who had edited, in 1928, with René Bonnel] who would perhaps be delighted to project something like this which, moreover, should not necessarily be a clandestine or bibliophile edition.

Do you think Mr. Bataille would be kind enough to consider this, to even sound out the possibility with one or the other publisher?

Is Caillet, the photographer, handling the three sets of proofs for me?

Joë Bousquet suggested I write a long text about myself. How should I publish it?

When will you be releasing "Jarry"? Mr. Lemarchand from Gallimard told me there are some difficulties on Saltas's side. Looking forward to hearing from you soon! Yours sincerely, Bellmer.

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