RAY MAN: (1890-1976) American visual artist, a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist ...

RAY MAN: (1890-1976) American visual artist, a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements and a renowned pioneering fashion and portrait photographer. T.L.S., Man Ray, one page, 4to, Paris, 31 ^st January 1962, to Jean. Ray writes in a business-like manner regarding the sales of his works, apologising for writing in English ( 'in which language I can express myself more shortly') and referring to an agreement he had entered into with his correspondent in 1959, which had led him 'to believe that I would be freed from all matters of keeping accounts and from endless discussions', continuing to rectify several points raised in his correspondent's recent letters, in part, 'Our contract gives you control of world sales, and the exhibitions in New York were arranged with the approval of the Galerie Rive Droite….To date no accounts have been given me of transactions….Among other activities in New York I was responsible for selling a watercolour for $400, as well as some drawings at a good price….In your second letter you say you haven't taken paintings to cover the contract. I have receipts for all the works you have taken which exceed what you have paid me. You admit you haven't paid me the four millions due in 1961. The contract stipulates three millions to be paid over the period…..I cannot go into details here, since you promised to keep accounts for me. Anyhow, your small investment in me has paid off already, I'm sure. And will continue to pay. I have done much more than you in the way of publicity: interviews, radio and television in France and abroad, as well as participating in non-commercial official exhibitions. In 59, before our contract I consigned only the Orateur to Loeb, asking him only 300.00 francs for it. He did not sell it because he probably asked a couple of thousand dollars for it, and I took it back. I sold it to you for 200.00 frs. as an object, although I have always considered it as important as any painting. But I wasn't going to argue with you - I counted on the future. So, the contract is void as from today.' A couple of very light, extremely minor corner creases, VG