Monday, May 26, 2014

Constantin Alajálov ALS

Amazon offers an autograph letter signed (ALS) from Constantin Alajálov. It dates from December 20, 1975 when the artist was 75 years of age. It is written in green ink. The scan is really inadequate, but at least it is readable. The letter's contents are interesting, even tantalizing:

Dec. 20- '75

Dear Mr. Tomajan,

Many thanks for your letter of Decem. 8th & for the suggestion in it about a book of my work.

At present I have no plans, nor ideas, nor inclinations to do anything about it, but, just the same, I want to thank you for the flattering idea.

Sincerely Yours,

Constantin Alajálov

With most of his life's work behind him, this should have been the time for Alajálov to cement his reputation as a great illustrator through retrospective exhibitions or books surveying his life's work. He demurs politely, but my guess is that the lack of interest is not on his part.

Autograph Letter Signed from Constantin Alajálov, December 20, 1975
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002ETSKJS/ref=dp_olp_collectible_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=collectible

Another example of Alajálov's use of green ink can be seen in a Cézanne book from his personal library where he inscribed his name.
Constantin Alajálov's copy of Cézanne:  Paintings, Watercolors & Drawings (Chicago, 1952) with his name inscribed in green ink.


June 6, 2014 Update:  The ALS by Constantin Alajálov has been sold. I am pleased to report that the buyer is an avid reader of this blog.


Note:  My survey of the work of Constantin Alajálov continues long beyond its expected duration, whatever that may have been. It should be obvious by now that I can keep doing this indefinitely, but I promise I won't.

You might want to take a look at other examples of autograph letters signed on this blog. There are few pursuits more delectable than reading other people's mail.

01162

No comments:

Post a Comment