Letter from Egon Schiele to Carl Reininghaus, Dec. 1911

Translation of the Transcription:

December 1911.

Karl Reininghaus! don’t be so mean! – I heard that you are “already” here. How are you doing? – I am living in Neulengbach in the wide open countryside; are you familiar with N.? I want to stay here. Aren’t we friends, ? Hm? – I at least have the sound feeling that we are close. – Who knows what’s wrong with you. – Maybe because, I’ll just come out and say it I wanted some money from you; great individuals should be talented in giving away money, aren’t I right? Or because I still haven’t exchanged the old pieces of mine that you have with new ones? Isn’t that being a bit petty, you certainly trust that I’ll be glad to give you my paintings or lithos. – I am doing very well financially right now, I have debts too and even more enemies. But I have produced some wonderful paintings. I am currently exhibiting collect. in Germany, Munich, Folkwang Mus.[eum] etc. – but I want to tell you again that I thought that, even if I haven’t exchanged old with new work yet, that I was dealing with a friend and not a repulsive businessman. – It would really be good if you would speak to me soon, you know that I really like you, but you shouldn’t think of me like of others, that offends me actually because you’re not an enemy. – Come visit me! – I’ve a commotion, and didn’t want to cause one, but in the meantime quite a lot has happened, because I do already have several works here. What do you think? – Are you also laughing about my letter, like about the one from Moll that time? – I have also since met that gentleman. Good day!
Good-bye!

Egon Schiele
Neulengbach