Kees VAN DONGEN (1877-1968)

Autographed letter signed.

One page in quarto. Paris. April 21 , [19] 49

The Fauvist master organized the loan of his paintings for the exhibition at the Boymans Museum in Rotterdam – his hometown – following the major retrospective "Works from 1890 to 1948" dedicated to him by the Galerie Charpentier in Paris.

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“Dear Madam and friend, I have finally found the time to thank you for your kindness in lending the painting (Child with a Bear) to my exhibition at the Charpentier Gallery. The director of the Boymans Museum in Rotterdam (Netherlands) would like to organize an exhibition of my best paintings in Rotterdam. He has naturally included your painting in his selection. Would you be so kind as to let me know if you would be willing to lend this work again – after the exhibition at Charpentier – for the Rotterdam exhibition, which will take place next June? The paintings will be handled by the Boymans Museum staff and insured during transport, both to and from the gallery, and during the exhibition in the Netherlands. A quick note, please, to let me know if you agree or if you would prefer that the painting return to you immediately after the Charpentier exhibition. With my warmest and most respectful regards, Yours, Van Dongen.”