DLA019-0199  Translation

M. BENLLIURE

ABASCAL, 53. –ESTUDIO

Madrid, 6 May 1931

Mr Laszlo de Lombos, London

My Very Dear Friend,

Indeed, no-one could exactly foresee the consequences of the events that have upset my entire country. It is a great lesson that teaches us how small men are, in the face of destiny, but one has to submit to the will that goes beyond us all, for the good of the fatherland.

As soon as I received your letter, I went to see the new Director in Chief of the Fine Arts to follow the necessary steps to have your paintings shipped. In the meantime, your telegram arrived, so I passed it on immediately. We are happy to follow your instructions.

It is still agreed, my dear friend, that my portrait [10155] is at your disposal if you desire to include it in your exhibition.^[1] I am awaiting your instructions on this matter.

All these events force me to work more to finish the important works that I started in my studio. As your exhibition

[Page 2]

will last for at least 15 days, believe me that if I can escape to go and see your work and shake your hand, I will do so with the greatest pleasure, and this would also allow me to visit my many friends in Paris.

Do not fail, if you have this opportunity, to pay my respects to Their Majesties The King and Queen who were always so good to me.

In kind remembrance to Madame Laszlo, believe me, my dear friend, yours truly

Mariano Benlliure

Editorial Note:

Professor Mariano Benlliure Gil (1862–1947), Spanish sculptor, museum director and a good friend of de László; for biographical notes, see [10155]. 

CC

31/10/2008