Letter from Oskar Kokoschka to J.P. Hodin

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[Translation/transcription]

Villeneuve

9 February 1962

My dear Master Pepi,

Your 'Bekenntnisse' [Confessions] are sincere, profound and lucid. Not a word too many and not a word too few; in short, you're like a bee who reimburses those he visits with gifts of honey!

The photo of Rathenau and the two of us should be ready shortly. I'm enclosing the farewell speech here. As you can tell from the beginning, it wasn't intended as such, simply recorded without my knowledge while I was visiting one of the classes. It would be good to have the peace appeal in German in case someone wants to print it. I have to be at the Four Seasons in Hamburg on 8 February, probably for four or five weeks (already dreading the climate and weather there!).

Perhaps I'll see you on your way back? The peace appeal was written in English. Professor Bernal in London helped with the editing back then. It doesn't exist in German, so it's never been printed. Please return the farewell speech; I don't have a copy.

Sent an embrace in the familiar having addressed you in the formal. Had a pile of English letters to write that morning. Noticed too late, when the London post was already sealed, hence Pepi as consolation. You took it the right way. You really are kind! Embrace the beautyfull one most affectionately. The photographer will send the photos direct before Vera brings the drawings (next few days!). Fischer really should publish an English version of your 'Bekenntnisse' in the exhibition catalogue. For now a kiss and a hearty embrace, I'm going to bed, see you soon!

Yours always, OK

(A kiss for the witch too - she's ripening!)

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