Franciska Clausen (b. Aabenraa 1899, d. s.p. 1986)
Fernand Léger (b. Argentan 1881, d. Gif-sur-Yvette 1955)
Interesting collection of 22 autograph correspondence cards, signed by Fernand Léger, most in initials “FL”. Sent to Franciska Clausen. Paris 1920's. French language. The present collection bears envelope stamps from 1923–1928, most 1924–25. A few with minor drawings in text. + 5 autograph cartes de visites (from a Parisian clothing store), also signed by F.L. Enclosed a collection of 24 autograph post cards, signed by among others Ejler Bille, Marcelle Cahn, Ragnhild Keyser. German and Danish language. Dated 1911–1957. Moreover 2 autograph letter cards, signed by Clausen to her mother.
The correspondence consists of a long series of messages and letters from Fernand Léger to Franciska Clausen in the period 1923 to 1928.
Franciska Clausen frequently stayed in Paris in the period 1924 to 1931. From February 1924 to December 1925 she attended Léger's painting school Acad. Moderne in Paris. She was quickly considered one of his best students, and alongside her own production, she created pieces for the renowned French master. In the book “Franciska”, the author Agnete Braad writes on about the two intimate relationship between the two artists, which throughout the years had been a public secret.
The present correspondence confirms this relationship. It primarily consists of smaller messages sent to the guesthouse in Rue Alessia, where Clausen was lodged for many years. A few of the messages contain small drawings and Léger's characteristic FL-signature. There are mainly suggestions for meeting places and times and small greetings.
The close relationsship and the challenges it created is also dealt with in the two volume-work “Franciska Clausen” by former museum director Finn Termann-Frederiksen.
Modern paintings, sculptures & prints, 7 March 2023