An archive of Leonard Baskin correspondence, collected by his W.W.I.I buddy and family friend.
1950-59. Letters. The correspondence is between Leonard & Esther Baskin and Irving and Alice Levi. The two men were in the Navy together during WWII. Both of the Levi's studied at the Art Students League in New York with Jose de Creeft and later Will Barnett, whom they were friends with and whose work they collected. They also collected and were friends with I. Rice Pereira, Milton Avery and Wharton Esherick.
This collection of their correspondence includes 8 letters and postcards sent from Leonard from both Massachusetts and Paris. We believe all were written by Leonard, who appears to have different writing styles, the print Leonard; the script Leonard and the calligraphy Leonard. A blend of two styles is apparent on the envelope dated 1952. The topics include the influences of Baskin's trip to Europe in 1950 and publication of various works.
Baskin, Leonard. Postcard to Mr & Mrs Irving B. Levi, from 5 Rue Pauly, Paris 14e, 13-Oct-50. Printed postcard, image of Notre Dame, ALS on verso. "We've been terribly negligent about writing…"
Baskin,Leonard & Esther. Peace on Earth greeting card, with Peace print loosely inserted, to Alice & Irving Levi, 27 Dec 1950. ALS on greeting card, with envelope. 27 Dec 1950 postmark. Card with image of three men's' smiling faces; peace print loosely inserted with man holding black bird. 4 3/4 x 4" card.
Baskin, Leonard. ALS letter to Alice & Irving Levi, from 7 Castle St., Worcester, MA, with postmarked envelope, 15-Jan-52. "I can't begin to tell about all our experiences in Europe and in the USA…". 5 ½ x 8 ½".
Baskin, Leonard. ALS on Smith College letterhead, to Irving, 10-Jan-54. Regarding Titan's Pier, it's marvelous; with note "Titan's Pier So. Hadley Mass" at upper left. "Esther joins me in sending our best to you and Alice." 8 1/2 x 5 1/2".
Baskin, Leonard. ALS letter to Alice & Irving Levi, from Fort Hill Northampton, 29-Jun-57. Letter relaying their delight with Toby, thanking for gift of spoon, invitation for summer visit. 6 x 9".
Baskin, Leonard. Postcard to Alice & Irving Levi, ALS on verso, August 19, 1958. Mailed from Fort Hill Northampton to Irving Levi Scarsdale, re "Techion" and gallery handling shipping details. 5 1/2 x 3 1/4".
Baskin, Leonard. Postcard to Alice & Irving Levi, ALS on verso, Sept. 18, 1958. Mailed from Fort Hill Northampton Mass to Scarsdale, confirming a visit by Levi's to Fort Hill on Sept 18. 5 1/2 x 3 1/4".
Baskin, Leonard. ALS letter to Alice and Irving Levi, 8-Mar-59. Letter re "a.n.a. member"; discusses Chr. Engler, Charles Antin, invites Irving to visit. 4 1/2 x 7" Very good overall. Item #26934
Price: $1,500.00