| The Letters Between Lorca and Dalí, Part 1 |
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| Written by Patti Heiser | |
| Thursday, 27 November 2008 | |
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A couple weeks ago through our Stories of Salvador Dalí weekly series, we began to venture and analyze the relationship between Federico Garcia Lorca and Salvador Dalí. After exhibiting the foundation of knowledge required to get you aquainted with both men and their bond to each other, we now display a handful of letters that were passed between them. What do the letters prove? Do they make the full extent of their relationship obvious enough to determine? Stay tuned for part two!
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During the course of their friendship, Salvador Dalí and Federico Garcia Lorca exchanged many letters. Some of these letters have been preserved and made available to the public. While there are 27 letters from Dalí to Lorca, sadly there are only five letters from Lorca to Dalí. It is possible to trace the path of their relationship through these letters. Our house has held on to a little of your precious friendship. This year the Divine Shepherdess of Cadaqués has blossomed once again on the white wall. Every morning this Andalusian “Rosseau” cheers me up and reminds me of our rooms and our populars at the Residencia de Estudiantes.
(excerpt letter Dalí to Lorca, June 1925)
[ More letters after the jump! ] - - -
In Dalí’s last letter to Lorca in summer 1925, he begins to expand the general content of the letters to include ideas and discussions of what he is feeling towards art, especially his and Lorca’s, and what is happening around him. This new direction continues to include his writing of his strong feeling of friendship towards Lorca and his impatience on having to wait to read Lorca’s Ode to Salvador Dalí.
Dear Federico:
Grosz (German) and Pascin (French) have already tried to sketch putrefaction. And so they’ve merely scratched the surface, barely capturing his most superficial elements. …You and I are different – we’ve raised the Stupid Gentleman – and idiocy itself - to a lyrical category.…
and for you a big hug from your
Dalí …When do I get to read the entire “Ode”? You shouldn’t be doling it out one drop at a time.
(Dalí to Lorca, summer 1925)
Their letters turn to thoughts of projects to be done together, ideas for new projects, the respect that Dalí has for Lorca and some information about each other’s independent projects.
Dear Federico,
Your project of the {drawing of boat and waves} really kills me. It’s an extraordinary idea, the best that ever occurred to any earthly mortal. …
As for what you say about my paintings, I don’t know how to respond, but believe me, I consider you the only true genius in the world. You already know that.
(Dalí to Lorca, February 1926)
Dalí is hoping that the both of them could contribute to a book on putrefaction, and he continues to be anxious to see his Ode.
I’m waiting for your suggestions about putrefaction so we can bring out our little book right away. It would be great if you could come immediately! …
It’s not fair that I can’t see my “Ode”!!!
I’m not that much of a donkey, I’ll understand some of it.
(Dalí to Lorca, March 1926)
During this time period, there are further hints to the depth of their relationship. Dalí can’t wait to see Lorca, as he shares in letters that lead up to their last visit together in Cadaqués.
…Look how affectionately I’m going to write your name. I’ll do the whole thing in one breath.
Federico Garcia Lorca
And now I sign
SALVADOR DALI
Do you love me? …
Come to Figueras, tout de suite.
(Dalí to Lorca, March 1926)
Goodbye, I love you very much, someday we’ll see each other again, and what a time we will have!
(Dalí to Lorca, September 1926)
After their visit together, Lorca writes to Dalí. He is very upset. He has found it hard to leave and he misses Dalí very much. He also hopes that he has not lost Dalí as a friend.
My dear Salvador,
When the car pulled away, the goose began to cackle and tell me about the Duomo of Milan. I wanted to throw myself from the car so that I could stay with you in Cadaqués.
I realize now what I have lost by our separation.
…I have treated you like an indecent mule – you, the dearest thing that I have…
Remember me when you are at the beach and above all when you paint crackling things and my little cinders. Oh, my little cinders! Paint my name into the picture so that my name will mean something in the world, and give me a hug, for I badly need it.
Your Federico
(Lorca to Dalí, July 1927)
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I particularily loved Dali's reaction in the fourth note - "It’s not fair that I can’t see my “Ode”!!! I’m not that much of a donkey, I’ll understand some of it."
He still seems very youthful in this letter, and not attempting to obscure his feelings in any way. Plus it's kind of cute.