Letter from Oskar Kokoschka to J.P. Hodin

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[Translation/transcription]

Polperro, Cornwall

6.III.40

Dear Dr. Hodin

I wonder whether you forgot me at all? It is probably two month when I wrote you about my situation, it means more that of my family left behind. I feel like cut off from life but in the same time there must be still my work, my art live. I hear about a French art book, contemplating modern art, which gives me a first place, whit the most sacrosanct names. It was published just recently and means a lot conisdering the certain narrowness of French art reviewers if they have to deal with painters not belonging to the French school. There is an American 'primer in modern art' by Sheldon Cheney, already in it's 12th edition, which gives me the first place, endless referring to my work in dealing with the contemporan artists. I felt nearly ashamed to be depressed, due to the stupid fate which has become mine, the wholesale out of the museums where my pictures hang, no collections of photos left, no possibility now to make sure to whom they were sold, to which countries. Even I had myself pictures or photos, I wouldn't be allowed to send them to the States, where possibly my chance lays as I hear that all the dealers in the drive (Cassirer Holland, Nirenstein New York, Fischer Basel who helped in the wholesale whit that certain country) are very lucky with the American museums. I have to look through the fingers, as usual. I never in my life had more than one or two of my own pictures, therefore I cannot arrange a show for myself - and with agents I broke since more than ten years. Even if I were allowed to go to the States (what is not the case) I would not like the idea, as I am not tough enough for a fight with the elbows. I can't start as a beginner after a thirty years strain of serious work. If it is my fate to fall, I have to accept it. Never belonged to the hard-boiled sort of self-advertising artists wearing a red waist-coat or a white tie to attend the respective Maecenas. Art is one thing and society-life another thing, you see. If there is no wealthy man in world who gives one a favourable hearing beyond such conditions - than there will be only laurels left for me post-mortem, a decent existence instead to all the people trading with my pictures. (The III. Reich's government included!)

My brother is longing for tea.

With the kindliest greetings and best wishes for all of you.

OK

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