Pierre de MASSOT. Reflections on Rrose Sélavy. Paris, imprim - Lot 153

Pierre de MASSOT. Reflections on Rrose Sélavy. Paris, imprimerie Ravilly, no date [1924]. Booklet in-8, pearl gray half-box, smooth spine, large rectangle of fabric dyed in different shades of gray, covered with black fishnet cut out in places, gray box listel, untrimmed, gilt head, blue paper cover preserved (J.-P. Miguet, 1963). First edition. Rare booklet in homage to Marcel Duchamp's female double, Rrose Sélavy. The text consists of an Introduction by "a woman of no importance". The twelve pages that follow have only the name of each month of the year at the top, forming a kind of diary. On the second cover, a number of puns, palindromes and witticisms (to be used in Marcel Duchamp's 1939 booklet, Rrose Sélavy): "Orchid fixe. A word from a queen; kidney pains. We deliver domestic mosquitoes (half-stock). We value Eskimo bruises with exquisite words. Recording thighs. Toilet pits. A coups trop tirés, etc." Touching autograph signed letter: For Maman and for Papa, / whom I think of every / minute of my life, / tenderly / Pierre de Massot / Paris. Spring 24 Three letters addressed to Pierre de Massot from Marcel Duchamp and his brother Jacques Villon in 1960: - Jacques Villon's first letter, dated August 17, 1960, follows bad news about Pierre de Massot's health: "Your letter upset me. Ever since my accident, I've been terrified of hospitalization, and the prospect that you see before me makes me think that although the care you are receiving and are going to receive is all-powerful, it will take time: as for the sanatorium, we must consider it as a haven of grace where everything will fall back into place. You'll be able to resume your activity and have the leisure to publish beautiful verses or prose, with the human side of things assured." He himself is still suffering from the effects of a fractured femoral neck. He gives news of Teeny and Marcel Duchamp, who are traveling in Europe. On November 29, he encourages his correspondent in the face of health concerns far more serious than his broken femoral neck. (2 autograph letters signed, 2 ½ pages in-8). - Marcel Duchamp's letter from New York, December 15, 1960, is in a much more optimistic tone: "Well received your obviously comforting letter about the present. For the future, I see you rather 'in publishing' or rather 'in books' - even if you're reluctant, there are half-sinecures you should find among the literate gentry. We'll see - Ici une expo. surréaliste avec bonne presse" (Autograph letter signed, 1 page in-8). A color postcard illustrated with Nude descending a staircase follows.