DLA019-0144  Translation

LONDON,

7 July, 1931.

Your charming letter of the 14 and 15 June,^[1] so full of appreciation, which reached me in London, filled me with happiness and reminded me of the happy times when I made the portrait of your distinguished and glorious mother [4476], and I only regret I could not include this portrait, of which Comte de Montesquiou wrote it has the strength of the best Velasquez [sic], in my Paris exhibition.^[2]

I was very disappointed I could not lunch with you during my stay in Paris. I left on 11 June immediately after President Doumergue visited my exhibition. However, I hope to return to spend September there, when I will not fail to visit you.

With regards to the varnishing of the two portraits [4476][111525], I am certain they will be in need of it, and I would advise you to write on this subject to Monsieur Jean Charpentier who will send you someone experience to address this matter.

I am delighted and proud to hear your account of my exhibition, and it gives me great satisfaction to know that it was appreciated by the French art world.

I am impatiently waiting for you, and please believe me