approximately 20 letters from Oskar Kokoschka (Austrian, 1886-1980) to Marguerite Loeb (1905-1999), some in German, others in English; three sketches, largest 7-1/4 x 11 in.; 25 additional letters to Marguerite's family and friends; Marguerite Loeb's scrapbook, well over 100 photographs, scenes around France and Switzerland, European personalities and artists, some signed, six photos of young Marguerite with Kokoschka in playful poses, scrapbook 11 x 15 in.; book Oskar Kokoschka, 1986, published by Tate Gallery, inscribed "from Marguerite McBey's London Library 1/2000"

Provenance: Estate of the Artists James McBey and Marguerite Loeb McBey, London, England; by descent in family

Note: Among the most notable pieces included are letters that chronicle Marguerite's romantic relationship with Austrian Expressionist Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980). Numerous exchanges between the two lovers, beginning in the 1920s, show Kokoschka writing to dear "Tamariske," his affectionate name for Marguerite. His love was professed for her, even proposing in one letter. In April 1925 Marguerite wrote that "Kokoschka is dreadfully in love with me."Equally interesting are the urgent pleas from Marguerite's father that she end this relationship with a man so many years her senior. This was conveyed to Marguerite through succinct notes, later sent as telegrams.Three sketches are present in the correspondence. One shows Marguerite relentlessly clutching the artist's head, perhaps signifying her hold over him. A second, the largest and most detailed, has Kokoschka lying supine on a hospital bed, surrounded by vultures, possibly alluding to his World War I injury. The final sketch finds a nervous Kokoschka standing between Marguerite and a scolding military officer, with the cavalry in the background.

overall well preserved, typical foxing, creasing, scrapbook with detached front board, majority of photos affixed