PICABIA Francis. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED [to Germaine Everli - Lot 116

PICABIA Francis. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED [to Germaine Everling]. [Lausanne], November 19, 1918: 2 pp. in-4 (215 x 175 mm) in ink on graph paper, recto. A beautiful, loving and melancholy unpublished letter from the painter to his mistress, when Picabia had not yet divorced his wife Gabrielle Buffet. With the war just over and Dadaist activity in full swing, Picabia stayed in Lausanne to treat his depression: Ma petite, no news from you since your departure, it saddens me greatly, I hope you're well. I hope you're well. Even with the flu, two words aren't much of an effort. It's the border, isn't it? I've been feeling a little less well for the last three days, the neurasthenia has returned quite strongly, I've been working a lot, maybe it's that or something else. I think of you all the time, of our little life in Begnins, of our good reading. You know, you have to realize that my life has been a terrible effort for several months now. Life with my wife is becoming impossible, I'm at the end of my rope, sorry to upset her, but it's the end. Forgive me for hurting your feelings by telling you about my despair, I'm very tired. In the hotel park there's a little light yellow kid, gravity and grace that the little bitches are chasing. Life's work is beyond even the greatest artist. I really want to go back to Geneva, but I'm afraid of the Hotel Richemond, afraid of Geneva without you, too many little memories, the Pension Eden. Impossible to get in, no one left, you're gone. At last, are you happy to have your "Panam" back? And your friends? Just now, a card arrived from T. Tzara. The "Dada" movement is not yet published. He wants to come to Begnins, and I'm delighted to get this note. I'm afraid of having the cult of pain, without virtue, the saint goes to martyrdom for his tranquility, that's the opinion of Oscar Wilde (our friend), for a few days. Write to me quickly my little one, I am so tired that it is impossible for me to write all my thoughts and ulterior motives, ulterior motives that are happy for both of us. Love and kisses. Your Francis. Always write to Dr. Horb - Hotel Eden, Lausanne. Modern Gallery.