A letter sent by Constantin Brâncuși to Florence Meyer is among the items featured in a new event by Artmark: the "From Eminescu to Enescu" auction—a Rare Book Auction (scheduled exclusively online for October 8, starting at 12:00 PM).
Another focal point of the auction, as the title suggests, is the work of Mihai Eminescu—represented both by the original publications that reached readers of his time and by several editions of his first volume, Poesii (Poems). The first edition of Poesii, edited by Titu Maiorescu and published in Bucharest in 1884, is a gem coveted by any bibliophile collector. It has a starting price of €1,500 and contains 61 poems, Maiorescu's preface, and a heliogravure portrait of the poet. Also noteworthy are several issues of the magazine Convorbiri literare (from the 1873–1887 period); these contain—among other works—the poems "Înger și demon" (Angel and Demon), "Scrisoarea I" (Letter I), "Sara pe deal" (Evening on the Hill), and "Luceafărul" (The Evening Star) exactly as they first appeared in print, with starting prices ranging from €100 to €500. Additionally, another edition of Convorbiri literare (1889–1890) included in the auction brings together posthumous poems by Eminescu and a historic article by Titu Maiorescu titled "Eminescu și poesiile lui" (Eminescu and His Poems), with a starting price of €150.
The starting price for the Brâncuși letter—which includes the original envelope—is 900 euros. Marking the 150th anniversary of the sculptor's birth, researcher Doina Lemny—a PhD in Art History specializing in Brâncuși’s work—discusses the significance of this correspondence and the woman whom the artist captured dancing in his studio and for whom he harbored deep feelings. The story of Brâncuși’s letter begins with a few words addressed to Florence Meyer: "...darling. I embrace you once more, with much love."
"The women who crossed the threshold of his studio were a source of inspiration for Constantin Brâncuși throughout his creative life. The friendships he cultivated were therefore significant; they formed his circle. It is well known that Brâncuși welcomed both avant-garde figures and independent women into his studio. He received these women with great warmth, yet—in my view—he also maintained a great sense of discretion and courtesy... Why did these women come to see him? They came to view his work, as he had gained recognition early on, starting in 1913. His personality was a major draw—not because he was a storybook 'Prince Charming'... Rather, it was that warm welcome and the easy conversation—about art, food, and the events of their world—that attracted women... A bond, even a romantic one, developed between Florence Meyer and Constantin Brâncuși. Florence was among the few women Brâncuși filmed in his studio... To please her family, she married an Austrian-born Hollywood actor, but she divorced him after they had two children. She was unhappy... Brâncuși supported her during those bouts of depression and welcomed her warmly into his studio. They remained friends for the rest of their lives... Brâncuși’s correspondence is of great importance. The majority of these letters are held at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, within the Brâncuși Collection..." says Doina Lemny, an art historian and researcher specializing in his work. of Constantin Brâncuși.
The auction selection also includes correspondence from George Enescu, as well as an archive belonging to the painter Nicolae Vermont. All these items can be viewed at the Artmark Galleries—located at the Cesianu-Racoviță Palace—from today until the day of the auction; admission is free, and the galleries are open daily (Monday through Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Anyone can participate in Artmark auctions. All that is required is to create a collector account here—a process that is also free of charge.