Dorothea Tanning Autograph Letter Signed with... Lot n° 6033

Self-taught American painter, printmaker, sculptor, and poet (1910-2012) whose early work was influenced by Surrealism. Scarce ALS signed “Dorothea,” two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, February 25, 1948. Handwritten letter to "Joe," recounting her visit to New York for an exhibition of her paintings and discussing her life in Arizona with Max Ernst. In part: "If only we could soon go to France! It is my dearest wish. When I went there, alone,, in July 1939 it was very sad. The war began and I was obliged to leave. It was like a beautiful but unfinished dinner carried away. We have just returned from New York where I had an exhibition of my paintings...Now we are back in Arizona and very happy to resume our tranquil sunny life once more. Max has a separate studio where he goes every day (just a few steps) to perform his special kind of alchemies in paint. I am in my own studio, hesitating a little before I commence to paint again. There are so many painters! And in this country there is an overwhelming vogue for abstract painting—'abstractivism à l'américain,' Max calls it." Affixed to both pages are clipped and affixed collage elements, forming an elaborate, artistic letterhead on the first page. In fine condition, with a bit of scattered staining to the second page.