Autograph Letter Signed de EILSHEMIUS, Louis M. (1864-1941)

This American artist painted dream-like landscapes with Rubinesque nudes, and though Marcel Duchamp "discovered" and championed him in 1917 -- his work went over well in Paris -- American audiences disliked his eccentric fantasy work and he turned to poetry and composing; one of the more bizarre figures in a field full of characters, he was born into wealth but died a pauper. ALS, 2pp (single leaf), 8½" X 11", New York, NY, 1 March n.y. (ca. 1936). Addressed to Beth Newman. Very good. Lightly age toned. Below his printed name and address, Eilshemius sketches an elaborate vignette with ornamental scrollwork about the edges, penning "Mrs. Beth Newman" at center and signing "Eilshemius" at its lower right. Chatty letter regarding his music compositions, reading in part: "The music is on way to Beverly Hills. Am so glad that your husband enjoyed the pieces and has honored me to put a few of them into Quartett form. No I have no phonograph therefore a record would be of no use. We have no electricity in this house, old as the hills, you Know. Am sorry I can't hear your husband play them on the piano. I do not Know any professionals here, must be bereft of any playing Ah! Me! You are lucky to have a precious babyboy and to enjoy the track. Does your husband perform for the Mike, I wonder.... I have 50 ptgs. at the Frisco Art Museum on view. Also, one a genre at Pittsburgh Carnagie...." Boldly penned and signed in full in black ink. Excellent content showing two of his passions, his art and his music. Beth Newman was the first wife of Hollywood composer and music dynamo Alfred Newman (1901-70), film composer extraordinaire and winner of nine Academy Awards.