Description:

Man Ray
New York & Paris, ca. 1965, 1969
Man Ray (3) ALS to Photographer Yousuf Karsh, Ex. Karsh Estate
Archive

An archive of correspondence from American artist Man Ray (1890-1976) to his longtime friends, famed photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002) and his wife Estrellita, retained in Karsh's personal collection. Consisting of 3 ALS written between 1965 and 1969, with Ray's signature appearing 5 separate times. Within, he reveals personal updates on his health and mentions leaving a set of photographs for Karsh at his gallery in New York. The letters are accompanied by two newspaper clippings and a 5pp article entitled "What a Man Ray!", featuring intermittent underlining and marginal notations throughout possibly in the artist's hand. Please see below for further information on contents.

Karsh Estate Provenance: Held by the Estate of Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh; after Yousuf's death in 2002 passing to Estrellita Karsh; after Estrellita's death in March 2025 passing to Katherine Getchell, Co-Executor, Estrellita Karsh Estate and Personal Representative of Estrellita Karsh.

The lot includes:

1.) ALS on stiff cardstock signed at conclusion as "Man Ray", measuring 8.5" x 11", New York, October 22, 1965. Discussing his health, he writes in part: "I was supposed to leave today, but had my first appointment with the doctor you recommended… so I shall be here a few more days. Very encouraging diagnosis! If you come to N.Y. while I am still here, you can reach me at the gallery… In any case, your photos will be at the gallery for you. Hope you like them." Verso doubles as an advertisement for his 1965 exhibition "Objects of My Affection" held at the Cordier & Eckstrom Gallery in New York. Together with its original mailing envelope hand addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Karsh, with an additional signature on the back flap along center margin. Letter shows degrees of light toning and corner bumping throughout, with isolated staining covering approximately 3/4 of text, not affecting overall visibility or signature.

2.) ALS on postcard signed "Man Ray" in the lower right, measuring 6" x 4.25", Paris, December 18, 1965. Reading in full: "Dear friends - Thanks for your card and greetings. / Yes, following Dr. Wright's advice, but little change so far. At least, no medicines to take. But a bill, yes! Bon Voyage to Egypt. / Love from Julie and Man Ray." Similarly hand addressed by the artist at right. Verso shows Man Ray's oil painting, "The Rope Dancer Accompanies Herself with Her Shadows" (1916). Expected philatelic stamping throughout, with scattered handling marks and isolated crease in the lower right. Else, very good.

3.) ALS on greeting card, twice signed as "Man Ray" and "Man", respectively. Measures 5.75" x 8.25", n.p., ca. 1969. Boldly inscribed on center verso in Ray's hand: "1969 / Best wishes and affection / Julie - Man Ray" with an additional note to the Karsh's in the lower right, reading: "Chers amis - just got your card. All is the same as usual. May be in N.Y. late this spring. Love, Man". Printed on verso is an illustration by Ray, ca. 1968. Exhibits light age toning and bumping to corners. Near fine.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" (largest)
  • Medium: Archive

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