Magritte, René

Autograph letter, in French, signed (“Rene Magritte”) and illustrated with 7 little sketches, one page (7 3/4 x 5 1/4 in.; 200 x 134 mm); 19 May 1958, addressed to “Mademoiselle Suzi Gablik”; tiny tears on corners.

Suzi Gablik

D. Sylvester, Magritte, III, n° 874, p. 288. - Suzi Gablik, Rene Magritte: Mystery painter, in Haper's Bazar, November 1963, p. 190

tiny tears on corners.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

On Magritte’s creative process,  fascinating letter to Mrs. Gablik, first American expert of Magritte work, about the process leading the painter to his work.

Magritte explains how he created the painting Hegel’s Holiday, from the primitive question to the choice of the title, illustrating each step with little sketches. “(…) Comment montrer un verre d’eau dans un tableau de manière (…) géniale ?” He started drawing glasses of water with a stroke and then explained that after 100 or 150 drawings, the stroke got wider to become an umbrella. He placed it in the glass and then below it: “Ce qui est la solution exacte a la question initiale: comment peindre un verre d’eau avec genie?” He then thought about another genius, Hegel, “qui aurait été très sensible à cet objet qui a deux fonctions opposées: à la fois ne pas vouloir d’eau (la repousser) et en vouloir (en contenir)”. He supposed that the philosopher would have been charmed or amused, as he would be on a holiday. So the painting is titled “Hegel’s Holiday.” Crystal-clear.