Interesting letter from the influential American artist, one of the major innovators in both the Dada and Surrealist movements. 1 page typed letter, Paris, July 12, 1955. Blindstamped "Man Ray" upper left corner, signed "Man," in blue ink at the conclusion. Addressed to the American screenwriter Dudley Nichols (1895 - 1960) who wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for 72 movies, and who evidently had purchased a work from the artist. In part: "I received your draft and thank you very much. It has gone into my account here, and will be credited in francs, as I, as a resident, cannot draw dollars. Anyhow the difference is small, and as I use only francs, it does not matter. I can always adjust my living to my income. If I'm cheated, I buy less or pay less. So our society gains nothing. I've painted all my life without thinking of immediate returns, but I'm conscious of the fact that a small sum now is worth ten times ten years later! // You are the ideal art patron, who asks the artist to choose a work for him. I act that way, too, when I make an exchange with another painter. When offered a choice, I let the other pick what he thinks I ought to have, even if he has made a definite choice. It is always a pleasant surprise, like receiving a gift. It is also an indication of the other's integrity and perspicacity. So many careful calculations turn out to be off the beam, even with lots of experience. // What you say about being through with Hollywood or Hollywood being through with you is, I think, beside the point. I can also look back and see that my activities change or are deviated by outside forces every ten years or so, and it's a good thing. Whether I change my occupation or location, it is always with a feeling of liberation and renewal. It takes some time, the transition, and this is the most uncomfortable part of it, but, as you say, it works out. You really do not change yourself, and that is the most important." In fine condition, a few minor creases and small tears to corners.
Interesting letter from the influential American artist, one of the major innovators in both the Dada and Surrealist movements. 1 page typed letter, Paris, July 12, 1955. Blindstamped "Man Ray" upper left corner, signed "Man," in blue ink at the conclusion. Addressed to the American screenwriter Dudley Nichols (1895 - 1960) who wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for 72 movies, and who evidently had purchased a work from the artist. In part: "I received your draft and thank you very much. It has gone into my account here, and will be credited in francs, as I, as a resident, cannot draw dollars. Anyhow the difference is small, and as I use only francs, it does not matter. I can always adjust my living to my income. If I'm cheated, I buy less or pay less. So our society gains nothing. I've painted all my life without thinking of immediate returns, but I'm conscious of the fact that a small sum now is worth ten times ten years later! // You are the ideal art patron, who asks the artist to choose a work for him. I act that way, too, when I make an exchange with another painter. When offered a choice, I let the other pick what he thinks I ought to have, even if he has made a definite choice. It is always a pleasant surprise, like receiving a gift. It is also an indication of the other's integrity and perspicacity. So many careful calculations turn out to be off the beam, even with lots of experience. // What you say about being through with Hollywood or Hollywood being through with you is, I think, beside the point. I can also look back and see that my activities change or are deviated by outside forces every ten years or so, and it's a good thing. Whether I change my occupation or location, it is always with a feeling of liberation and renewal. It takes some time, the transition, and this is the most uncomfortable part of it, but, as you say, it works out. You really do not change yourself, and that is the most important." In fine condition, a few minor creases and small tears to corners.