Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Love letter for Dietrich fetches high price

A love letter from Alberto Giacometti to Marlene Dietrich sold for $266,500 (SFr255,280) at a Sotherby's auction in New York on Friday.

The three-page letter the Swiss sculptor wrote to the German actress testifies to their short but intense relationship, which took place in November 1959.

In his letter dated December 12, 1959, Giacometti includes three ink-drawings of a rose bouquet and tells the actress he is working on a sculpture for her.

Dietrich, who insisted on meeting Giacometti after she saw his work in a museum, initiated the relationship.

Whereas Giacometti’s wife did not seem to mind the meetings between Dietrich and her husband, his mistress Caroline grows increasingly jealous, putting an end to their relationship shortly before this letter was written.

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR