Orlik, Emil. (1870-1932)
Autograph Letter - "a political song is a nasty song"
A very interesting autograph letter from the Prague-born painter, etcher and lithographer, declining to write an article about art for a Viennese newspaper, on the grounds that he does not want to be involved in the intersection of art and politics. Prague, January 27, 1902. Orlik asks the editor of the paper to dispense with a suggested article, explaining that "I would be stepping in four wasps' nests," and goes on to lament that "as is customary in Vienna, the state of affairs is such that only 'the national perspective' is heard, and 'a political song is a nasty song.' At the end of the day, this is nothing to do with art!!" (Full translation below.) 2 pp. Folding creases and some light soiling and toning; overall in fine condition. 6.75 x 8.75 inches (17.4 x 22.3 cm).Translated from the German, in full:
"Dear Herr Doctor, Excuse me for answering your first question, whether I would write something about the Prague galleries, so late. I don't know if in your work as an editor you have much to do with painters. But for your sake I certainly hope not!! Now I must ask you to dispense with the article you mentioned. Quite apart from the fact that I would be stepping in four wasp's nests (1. the German; 2. the Czech; 3. the conservative (painters); and 4. the progressive (painters)), quite apart from the fact that it would be better for me if the article was not printed, it would now be pointless in many ways, because much of it was already printed yesterday in your newspaper (Mucha modern gallery, Vienna). (It is natural that people who mean well with art can only have one opinion.) For as is customary in Vienna, the state of affairs is such that only "the national perspective" is heard, and "a political song is a nasty song." At the end of the day, this is nothing to do with art!!So I would rather say nothing: it is better that my scribblings should set light to the oven in my humble workshop, rather than to the passions of nations, confessions, and their whole armor in art. Thank you in any case for your request! Yours, Emil Orliz." (14745)
Autograph Letter Art & Design