E. L. T. Mesens 1903-1971

Galleria Schwarz, Milan
Galerie Isy Brachot, Bruxelles

Saint-Etienne, Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Cinquante ans de collages, 1964, no. 153
Milan, Palazzo Reale, Il Surrealisti, 1989, illustré p. 486
Paris, Musée d'Art Moderne, L'Art en Belgique, 1990-91, illustré p. 309
René Magritte et le surréalisme en Belgique, Hambourg, Kunstverein und Kunsthaus; Rome, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna; Bruxelles, Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts,  no. 22
Paris, Galerie Isy Brachot, René Magritte et la pensée, 1993

Executed on cardboard. The cardboard is taped to the overmount at all four edges. This work is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

 

On the occasion of a birthday

Despite those who turn their coats as often as they light a cigarette
Yours friends become your enemies
As soon as they buy a bowler hat
The umbrella of your integrity protects you perfectly well
From the rain of medals and honours which causes the heads of so many
To sprout with unbelievably vile fungi

E for the Elephant of Celebes
L for love without frontiers
T for the torch of black humour
E.L.T. MESENS my friend.

George Melly
26/11/1948

signed 'E.L.T. Mesens', numbered '18' and dated '57' on the back, Collage of strings, cardboard and corrugated cardboard on cardboard.  Executed in 1957.