René MAGRITTE demonstrates his disdain for religious paintings.

René Magritte (1898.1967)

Autograph postcard signed to Rose Capel.

An oblong octavo page on the back of a reproduction of his painting Anne-Marie .

[Brussels] January 24, 1962. Autograph envelope.

“On the subject of the so-called religious painting that you spoke to me about, I can only say again that its popular success clearly demonstrates that it belongs to the type of product which is suitable for satisfying – or even arousing – a more than doubtful taste. ”

Magritte testifies to his rejection of religious paintings.

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“Dear Madam, You inform me that you have not received a response to your previous letter. However, I wrote to you about it. It remains to be believed that my answer was lost I know where [sic] and I hope that it will not be the same with this one. Regarding the so-called religious painting that you spoke to me about, I can only say again that its popular success clearly demonstrates that it belongs to the type of product which is suitable for satisfying – or even arousing – a more than doubtful taste. I am not angry about it as you seem to regret it.

This is how it is and I don't have the feeling that anything can be changed, nor that it should change. For it is innocent to think that one could bring about changes such that evil would be replaced by good – and that is what would essentially matter and not what would amount to only changing places. I received your news with pleasure; I would like to see Argentina but I fear that it will pose too many problems that are easy for many but insoluble for me. Best regards. René Magritte."