Freud, Sigmund

the earlier letter informing him that he is still in practice, noting that the information he has given him is too vague for him to know finally whether or not to take him on as a patient, observing that it depends on whether his case is suited to analytical therapy, whether he can devote sufficient time to this and whether he is prepared to meet the cost of treatment by him, observing that if this point poses a problem he can receive excellent treatment under easy conditions from pupils of his in Vienna, and suggesting that he make a quick trip to Vienna to discuss the matter; the later letter stating that he might visit him any day between 25 and 29 December [1935]

...Ihre Mitteilungen sind zu unbestimmt um eine endgültige Abmachung zu ermöglichen. Es kommt darauf an ob sich ihr Fall für die analytische Therapie eignet, ob Sie dieser genügende Zeit geben können und im speziellen Falle ob Sie die Honoraransprüche der Behandlung durch mich selbst erfüllen wollen...



2 pages, 4to (287 x 238mm.) and 8vo (90 x 133mm.), printed stationery ("Prof. Dr. Freud Wien, IX., Berggasse 19."), the later letter on a correspondence card, with two autograph envelopes, later annotations in pencil and coloured crayon to the earlier letter, Vienna, 10 and 12 December 1935, horizontal and vertical folds to the earlier letter, tears to the envelopes; together with: a printed visiting card inscribed by Freud ("Hotel Esplanade 2 Warrington Crescent..."); and an autograph letter by Henny Freud, two typed letters signed by Dr. K. R. Eissler of the Sigmund Freud Archives (with one envelope), and a typed letter signed by Dr. W. Hoffer, to Marie Claus

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Two revealing letters to the engineer H. Clenz, detailing the care with which Freud approached enquiries for analysis. They were written three years before Freud's flight from Vienna to London in 1938. Freud's visiting card included with this lot is inscribed with the address of the London hotel ("Hotel Esplanade 2 Warrington Crescent...") where Freud stayed in the summer of 1938, while his Hampstead home was being renovated. In 1944, the hotel, which still exists, was renamed the Colonnade Hotel.