Letter from Oskar Kokoschka to J.P. Hodin

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[Translation/transcription]

33 Mönchsberg
Pension Wöss

24 July 1954

Dear Master,

With the same post we're sending you six photos and six negatives as printed matter. These belong to Olda, and we would ask you to send them back. They may not be flawless, but they're usable and, most importantly, they show my triptych after all the changes and alterations, i.e. in a final state that will hopefully meet with my approval when I return.

The two Berger students were given the requested discount and places despite oversubscription. A few beautiful dolls from the USA (two of whom studied with me in Boston four years ago) are my sweet reward for long days of hard graft teaching the art of seeing to some seventy blind moles. These are the emissaries who will spread the good news that we can see with our own eyes if only we open them.

I wrote another letter to our poor black eagle today, which made me very sad. So I'm now thinking of the beautyful one, whom I must paint some day in the Villa Delphin, without much on, before she becomes a grandmother, and when you, my dear master, have overcome your jealousy, which in this case merely hinders the creation of a noble work of art, now that I'm the last painter who can still paint.

We were very touched by the letters from you and Pamela and we're curious to see your articles. Insel Verlag is about to publish three little volumes, one about 'Sturm' and two about my 'Sturm' drawings. Mrs Twardovsky (bookshop on Oxford Street) should order them en masse and in good time. I'm speaking at the Bavarian Academy on 17 November. Matreaux, Fürtwangler, Mann and Buber are speaking on other days.

My tempestous affection once more for the beautyful one and children, and my dearest wishes to you too, my kind master.

Yours,

OK

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