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Vienna IX, Berggasse 19
November 7, 1914
Dear Sir
I have noticed with admiration how seriously you take the work on my portrait. Probably this is the way you always work.
I am looking forward very much to your promised comments on “Moses” [of Michelangelo]. Since they haven't yet arrived, I don't want to go on postponing the return of the proof impressions and the writing of this letter. I hasten to tell you, even before hearing your comment, that I am well aware of the cardinal weakness of this work of mine. It lies in the attempt to assess the artist in a rational way as though he were a scholar or technician, whereas he is actually a being of a special kind, exalted, autocratic, villainous, and at times rather incomprehensible.