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Flora Morgan-Snell's handwritten letter (1973)

Flora Morgan-Snell's handwritten letter (1973)

Regular price R$ 900,00 BRL
Regular price Sale price R$ 900,00 BRL
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Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Digital Warranty ©

In 1973, Brazilian artist Flora Morgan -Snell thanked a renowned French art critic who recognized her talent.

  • Handwritten letter from Flora Morgan-Snell to Bernard Gauthron.
  • 4 pages including 2 drawings, and the envelope.
  • In French.
  • Paris, June 24, 1973.
  • Perfect condition of conservation.
  • Single set.

We are often fascinated by famous historical figures who have many talents: the Glorias collection aims to present many of them to Sofia, my daughter, and to you, through autographed documents. There are also famous people who have no talents; they are the new heroes of modern times produced by television and the Internet, whom history will probably forget. But there is another category that I also want to present in this collection: the talents who are not (yet) famous. These are my "bets".

Flora Morgan -Snell (1920 - 2007) is, in my opinion, one of the great artists that Brazil and the world are unaware of or have forgotten. What were her skills? Painting and sculpture, which I discovered one day during my digital wanderings. Her works are ignored in Brazil, although she won major awards such as the Leonard de Vinci, the Salon d'Art Libre in Paris and the Greek Sculpture Prize, exhibited in galleries such as the Bernheim-Jeune and the Museum of Modern Art in France, participated in UNESCO events and organized exhibitions of contemporary Brazilian and foreign artists in Europe.

Writer Clarice Lispector (in her last interview for the magazine Fatos e Fotos, published shortly before her death) tells of her visit to the painter's house: (...) we were received in the ultra-sumptuous apartment by a butler in full uniform. (...). During practically the entire interview (Mrs. Snell) did not stop smiling (...) she was laconic in her answers (...). I have met many artists – painters, sculptors, poets, musicians, novelists – and I can say that Mrs. Snell was the only one who transmitted to me such absolute self-confidence, without a hint of the doubts that occur in those who create art (...)

According to Roberto Ormon who studied his life, The artist grew up in Petrópolis and soon revealed her self-taught nature. Her interest in the human body led her to read anatomy books and watch wrestling championships, where she witnessed the strength and movement that she would later use in her work. When she sought formal study in Rio de Janeiro, the young woman was eventually dismissed from the course. The reason? There was nothing else the teacher could teach her. At the age of 25, she participated in two exhibitions in the former federal capital and married Albert de Moustier, a descendant of the French aristocracy.

Flora moved to Paris, where she established an image as a socialite in a male-dominated environment, such as the jury members at exhibitions who sometimes even imagined that the works were actually by her husband. From a wealthy family, the painter did not depend on selling her paintings to make a living and created them for those who admired her, fulfilling private, institutional and state commissions. Roberto Ormon also tells us where some of her works are in France: the panels that were in the Church of the Trinity are now in the Church of Saint-Michel des Batignolles (Paris, Place Saint-Jean, 17th arrondissement); another panel, called "The Kidnappers of the Sea", was taken to the Centre Les Atlantes, in the city of Les Sables d'Olonne.

In this letter, Flora Morgan -Snell thanks in French an art critic who published an article about her in the French magazine l'amateur d' art (the Art Amateur) which was renowned in France in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to her absolutely spectacular handwriting (my graphologist friends, what can you tell us?), the artist presents the recipient with two original drawings typical of her work.

Article from Epoca magazine about Flora Morgan-Snell.

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No. Glórias operates exclusively online because we serve collectors throughout Brazil and also abroad. If you wish to examine an item before purchase, we will be happy to send high-resolution photographs or additional information. Our team is located in Belo Horizonte (MG).

Do the items sold come with a certificate of authenticity?

Yes. All items available at Glórias have been carefully selected, studied, and certified before being offered for sale. Each purchase comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee, which we send via email. It is signed and stamped by Mathias Meyer, a French autograph expert since 2010 and a member of the ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers).

Who selects and certifies the items sold?

All items are selected and certified by Mathias Meyer, a French specialist in autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents since 2010. Throughout his career, he has studied thousands of pieces related to Brazilian history, sports, science, literature, and arts, and is now a member of ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) and founder of Glórias.

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We accept payment via Pix or bank transfer, both with a 3% discount for upfront payment, as well as credit card in up to 3 interest-free installments, offering convenience and security for customers across Brazil.

Can I pay for my purchase in installments?

Yes. You can pay in full via Pix or bank transfer with a 3% discount, or pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card, with immediate shipping after payment confirmation. It is also possible to pay in up to 10 installments via Pix; in this case, shipping will be carried out after the full payment of the purchase.

Can I ask for a discount?

We offer a 3% discount for payments made in full (via Pix or bank transfer) or the option to pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card. Furthermore, the prices of our pieces are carefully determined based on international market supply and demand, the specific characteristics of each item, and sales results of similar pieces. For this reason, we typically do not grant additional discounts. However, if you wish to purchase multiple pieces or make an exceptionally high-value purchase, we would be pleased to consider a special commercial arrangement.

How is delivery made? What will I receive?

Delivery time varies approximately from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's location. In Brazil, we mainly use SEDEX, and for international shipments, FedEx. The document is placed in an elegant laid paper folder and sent in completely discreet packaging. The digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee is sent by email, in PDF format, for security reasons. Shipping is free throughout Brazil. For international shipments, the shipping cost is a fixed R$ 500.00.

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Yes. For online purchases, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees the right of withdrawal within 7 days of receiving the item. If you are not satisfied, simply contact us and we will respond promptly to find the best solution, which may include a full refund after the return and verification of the item.

What warranties come with the items?

All items sold by Glórias have a permanent guarantee against eventual certification errors, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this event, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the paper or ink.

Can I resell this piece in the future?

Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We will be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector, either through a direct sale or through a specialized auction organized by Glórias.

How can I add value to my collection?

If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.

How should I store my document or autograph?

To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.

Why aren't these pieces in museums?

Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.

Can I offer you a part to buy?

With pleasure. The first step is to conduct a preliminary assessment, which will determine the level of authenticity, market value, and the best strategy for your piece. Depending on the outcome, there are several possibilities, such as certification, direct sale, consignment, or a specialized auction.

Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?

Behind every rare document lies a unique trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited by families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were misidentified or undervalued, or came from collectors, antique dealers, or autograph document merchants.