CO-5880
Kent, Rockwell. [Carta] 1938 Jan. 22,
New York, NY [para] Gustavo Capanema,
Rio de Janeiro, RJ. [inglês][datilografado]
(Dr. Gustavo I’m written to New York
Ministro da Educação) to get the correct spelling of his name
Dear Sir:
I had intended, since my return from Brazil 1ast December, to address to you and, through you, the
Brazilian people, a letter of congratulation upon your having in Brazil a native artist of such distinction as
Candido Portinari, upon whom you have conferred the important commission of decorating the auditorium in the building of the Department of Education in Rio de Janeiro.
The artists and the public of North America know too little of the work of the Latin American artists. Two years ago, however, Brazil was for the first time represented in the greatest North American international exhibition of art, the Carnegie Institute International, and at that show, as you must with some pride be aware, Portinari was award the second prize.
You will be leased to know that arrangements are now being made for a large display of Portinari’s paintings in New York during the coming winter. By that time, the great decorations in the building of the Department of Education will no doubt have been completed. It would be greatly appreciated if you would send us photographs of the decoration so that, to the great honor of Portinari and Brazil, they may be included in the exhibition.
I beg to remain, sir,
Respectfully yours,