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All the discoveries of the astrophysicists make them forget what the Greeks already knew, the myth of Icarus, where we are drawn by the world of technoscience

CARTIER-BRESSON, HENRI. (1908-2004). Pioneering French photojournalist; co-founder of Magnum Photos. TLS. (“Ton viel ami Henri”). 1p. 8vo. Paris, December 17, 1991. To American ballet impresario, art collector and polymath Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996). In English and French with translation.

We miss you so much and I think so often of you, all what you have built, all our memories. I know we have always been on the same wave length but in the confusion of the moment, I miss having a long conversation on the present situation. It is not to confort [sic] each other by yelling but [continuing in French] a cry of joy on that which has been humanity and the beautiful Sienese painting of your card is a testimony to it. All the discoveries of the astrophysicists make them forget what the Greeks already knew, the myth of Icarus, where we are drawn by the world of technoscience. Martine joins me in sending you our most affectionate thoughts…

Although Cartier-Bresson started taking photographs as a child, his training was as a painter and it was not until the early 1930s that he took up photography seriously. His career was interrupted by World War II, during which he spent almost three years as a POW. He joined the French resistance following his successful, third attempt to escape from prison camp. When an erroneous report of his death arrived in New York, the Museum of Modern Art began organizing an exhibit of his work. When MOMA learned the truth, they staged a retrospective with Cartier-Bresson’s assistance in 1947 and published the corresponding book, The Photographs of Henri Cartier-Bresson, for which Kirstein co-wrote the text. Kirstein was the co-founder of the School of American Ballet as well as the Ballet Society, the precursor to the New York City Ballet, and had a notable collaboration with George Balanchine. Among his many friends in the arts were Gertrude Stein, Cecil Beaton, Jean Cocteau, and his brother-in-law, artist Paul Cadmus. His collections are at the core of the New York Public Library’s Dance archive. Belgian philosopherGilbert Hottois coined the term “technoscience” in the 1970s to describe the combined discipline of science and technology. Cartier-Bresson relates this notion to the Greek myth of Icarus, who attempted to fly using man-made wings which melted when he got too close to the sun and he plummeted to his death – a cautionary tale against excessive ambition and pride. After his prolific career as a photographer, Cartier-Bresson retired in the 1970s and returned to painting and drawing, perhaps taking to heart the danger of technology and science. Our letter mentions his second wife, Belgian photographer Martine Franck (b.1938). Folded with nominal wear. In very good condition and rare.

Item #16702

Price: $1,000