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Translation of letter from DIEGO RIVERA to 
Florence Arquin
Mexico City, May 20, 1949
To Florence Arquin:
My very dear and thoughtful friend - 
I want to thank you for the admirable article which you have written on my work. I think it the best that has ever been said about it as an analysis of the evolution of my painting and as an evaluation of the plastic and social aspects.
I want to tell you that for the first time someone has concerned himself with my painting in its different facets, emphasizing it as such above all else and without becoming enmeshed in the lush growth of the banks of the river as you follow its current. You were of course able to do this because you are a good painter and your own worth gives you the possibility to advert freely that which you may find in the work of others.
Your article is excellent, so much more so because it is entirely objective. It is only in the sustained and passionate impulse of the analysis that one can suspect your affection and marvelous spirit of comradship towards me, without permitting your sentiment to influence for one moment your clear and certain technical judgement.
Many thanks, my friend.
(signed) DIEGO RIVERA