Embellishments in ink on a color postcard, Saluti dall'Aviere, with Autograph Note, signed (“Love Cecil”), on verso.
[Rome: n.d., 1920s].
Price: $3,000.00
About the item
5 x 3-1/2 inches. Matted and framed. Fine.
Item #324864
A choice drawing and note, with Cecil Beaton writing from Rome and repurposing the iconography of early Italian aviation. He has added butterfly wings to the saluting airman, who is being embraced by a weeping, kneeling damsel with puffed sleeves, with storks and putti in the air and classical columns in rear. The concise note mentions Mediterranean heat, parties, and composer, author, and eccentric Gerald [Tyrwhitt-Wilson], 14th Baron Berners, whose roman à clef The Girls of Radcliff Hall featured Beaton and others from his circle.
c/o Gerald, Rome
am expecting you next weekend, will be back on Thursday. Have arranged no big party. Here it is so hot we die & paint & bathe. Love Cecil
Love & a big kiss from Gerald
Love and affectueux souvenirs à vous 3.
