Fragment of a Letter

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Fragment of a Letter

Jasper Johns (American, born in 1930)
Printer and Publisher: Universal Limited Art Editions, Inc., New York

2010

Medium/Technique Etching and aquatint on two sheets of handmade paper

Dimensions Sheet (each): 114 x 77.5 cm (44 7/8 x 30 1/2 in.)

Credit Line Lee M. Friedman Fund

Accession Number2014.334.1-2

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionThe stenciled text of Van Gogh's letter to Emile Bernard reads: ". . . to make a success of what we began in the cafe. But I think that the primary condition on which success depends is to set aside all petty jealousies for only union is strength. Surely the common interest is worth the sacrifice of that selfishness of every man for himself. With a hearty handshake." The white freely drawn hands forming letters of the alphabet spell, from top to bottom on each sheet, "Jasper Johns".

Marks ULAE seal embossed lower right corner

ProvenanceThe printer and publisher, Universal Limited Art Editions, Inc., New York; 2014, sold by Universal Limited Art Editions to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 26, 2014)