DLA019-0145  Translation

71 av. Victor Hugo

Tel/ 13 32 Passy

14 and 15 June 1931

My dear Master,

There have been so many events since 1911 and so much growing admiration for you!

This Charpentier exhibition has been like a glorious apotheosis.^[1] I got, as soon as I entered, the impression of an unprecedented vision of beauty, as one destined to those elected to Paradise.

Do you recall sittings at the Duc de Guiche’s^[2]. av, Henri Martin, some twenty years ago (!)

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and the marvellous portrait of my mother [4476] which has not ceased to be the delight of our eyes and the joy of our hearts?

My two brothers, alas, have since died, and I remain alone in a generation which alas has not inherited the eternal youth of my mother, as at 90 years of age which was still the same as when you depicted her!

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Would you like to see again this magnificent painting here at 71 avenue Victor Hugo, where I live with my daughter Montebello? Your day and your time, morning or evening, will be mine, you just have to telephone, unless, as your time must be precious, you want to come for lunch with us only, i.e. with my two daughters and myself

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and my grandchildren (married!) at 12 ½ the day of your convenience, with the complete freedom to retire there and then.

I imagine the portrait would probably need to be varnished (it never was) but I would only like to have it done under the supervision of the great artist as I am so afraid of it being touched up!

Believe, dear master, in the ever increasing admiration, and in my gratitude for the work you have left in our hands.

Comtesse Salignac Fénelon

P.S.: the portrait of the ancestor does not make me forget the work so delicately fresh of representing the little Montebello and her cat [111525].

Editorial Note:

For de László’s reply, see DLA019-0144, letter from de László to comtesse Marie-Louise de Salignac-Fenelon (marquise de Montebello), 14 & 15 June 1931.