A personal, emotional postcard from Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier (i. e. Charles Edouard Jeanneret), architect (1887-1965).

Autograph postcard signed to Marguerite Tjader Harris, in French.

Smyrna, 7 October (19) 48.

9 x 14 cm. Card recto: Photo Izmir, Bahribaba park; verso: Text and franked with Turkish stamps.

EUR 900

The relationship between Le Corbusier and the American author and publisher Marguerite Tjader Harris (1901–1986) was a deep and long-standing one that unfolded largely through correspondence. The relationship between Le Corbusier and Marguerite Tjader Harris spanned some thirty years. Between intimacy and distance: Biographers (such as Nicholas Fox Weber) describe the relationship as a predominantly epistolary (correspondence-based) affair, characterised by deep affection and emotional dependence. The tone of Le Corbusier’s messages ranged from tender and passionate to imploring.

Around 1980, some of these highly personal letters were acquired through the antiquarian book trade (such as Serendipity Books), thereby finally making them accessible to researchers. A large proportion are now held in the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA). A few found their way into private collections.

Translation of the letter written in French: „Marguerite: 35, 46, 47, 48. Years go by. Corbu is in lonia again, this time on the Turkish side. I’ve seen Istambul [sic] again, after 40 years: my youth memories collapsed! … Marguerite, I saw you this summer for two minutes, and I enjoyed it. Life is so hard and silly. It allows only very few spaces where time is valuable. It took me 8 days to finish a 440 square feet painting: beautiful! Then, I flew here. What for? To bring dreams, dreams of harmony, me, alone, in my hotel room. Good day, Marguerite!“

In 1948, Le Corbusier created a large, monumental mural directly onto Isorel panels in his Parisian architectural practice at 35 Rue de Sèvres. It served as the focal point of his studio. The text is presumably referring to this mural, which measures approximately 44 square feet.

Provenance: Acquired by the previous owner from the New York autograph dealer ‘David Schulson Autographs’.