Texts and drawings by Oscar Niemeyer (2000s)

At almost 100 years old, Oscar Niemeyer writes about Brasília, his works, the passing of time and draws his greatest inspiration: women.

Oscar Niemeyer 's sketch pad, with nine pages of text and six original drawings. No location information, 2000s. 15 leaves, nothing on the back. 28 cm x 20 cm. In Portuguese. Excellent general condition, a slight crease mark on the upper part. Single piece.

It's been 10 years since Oscar Niemeyer passed away, aged 104 and with a life of work and extraordinary works in Brazil and the world. To commemorate this date, I present to you an exceptional document for those who love architecture or simply beauty.

It is a set of sheets attached to a Niemeyer block. First, there are nine pages of text and then six drawings (one on each page). I confess that the set is largely mysterious, due to the fact that Niemeyer 's writing is almost illegible.

What I know for sure is that it was by Niemeyer , and that it stopped at a traditional bookstore in Rio de Janeiro, which the Architect frequented. The bookstore unfortunately closed, like many others in recent years. But I managed to rescue this treasure.

It is moving for me to know that (...) now they will really be in Portugal (...) they have been gone for many years (...) it was with enthusiasm that I received the news that (...) my works will be exhibited in Lisbon Portugal, architects (...) let's talk about the architecture of Brasília (...) courtesy (...) time runs, rulers succeed one another (...) contacts. (...) but life goes on (...) it was with pleasure that I received the news that the expo (...) my works (...) Portuguese (...) this love. I can't go to Portugal (...) Brasilia celebrates its birthday, it's time to put it aside (...) we go back to remember if those who collaborated (...) there appears JK (...).

A letter ? A speech? A future book? Or just thoughts? These words are cryptic, but we can make guesses about the date. Because he mentions the anniversary of Brasília, inaugurated in 1960, and this handwriting is characteristic of the end of his life, close to his centenary, we can assume that it is a round date, perhaps 2000 or 2010. Niemeyer died in 2012. But as he speaks of an important exhibition in Portugal, it could be the universal exhibition of 1998, where he was honored.

I enjoyed witnessing the feelings of this great personality and words such as: “moving”, “with enthusiasm”, “it was with pleasure”, “this love”, which show how much Oscar Niemeyer appreciated the interest of the public and professionals in his work, even though it has been consecrated for decades. I also noticed a certain melancholy: “time flies, rulers succeed each other” and “life goes on”. Even more important, for us collectors or institutions, the fact that he mentions Brasília and JK, the most emblematic episode of his career.

The drawings in this block are easier to understand. Women, sensuality, eroticism. “Only the free and sensual curve attracts me”, he says. Oscar Niemeyer 's famous curves were the inspiration for almost all of his impressive constructions, sculptures or furniture. It started in 1940, in Belo Horizonte. The Alvorada Palace in Brasilia? A sculptural female body, according to the monomaniac architect, who saw graphic lines everywhere.

Drawings attributed to Niemeyer are not rare in the market, but 95% are forgeries or copies. I believe that with Tarsila do Amaral, Niemeyer is in first place in the ranking of the most counterfeit Brazilian artists. Perhaps because of the relative simplicity of its features. What is authentic is often conserved at the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, in Rio de Janeiro. So these fifteen sheets are exceptional and a unique opportunity.