1410

1335

Wienbibliothek im Rathaus, Manuscript Collection, Inv. H.I.N. 109837

6th Jan. 1918 (handwritten)

Black ink on paper

21,5 x 28 cm (page)

[Translation:]

Sanatorium Dr. Teuscher, [1] Weißer Hirsch near Dresden
6.I.18

Dear Mr. Schiele,
In response to your kind invitation [2] I am hereby writing to let you know that, respectfully, even though I wish the greatest success upon the efforts of the association as you have formed it, I will not participate in any exhibition in Vienna; a practice I have kept up for many years. This is because I have no proof that the attitude towards my work among the circles discussing art [in Vienna] has improved to a degree that would ever again make me want to feel at home there with even the slightest of my work.
Asking you to pay strict attention to the fulfilling of my wish, I conclude with my sincerest thanks and kindest regards,
Yours, O. Kokoschka.

[1] Head of a military convalescent sanatorium.
[2] Schiele invited Kokoschka to participate in the 49th Exhibition of the Vienna Secession (Vienna, 1st March–1st April 1918).

Nachlass Hans Ankwicz-Kleehoven

1963:
Wienbibliothek im Rathaus