Autograph letter signed, “Raoul,” three pages on Hotel Hessler stationery, dated June 18, 1935, written in French to his wife, Olga Chagodief, at 48 Central Park West, New York. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in his hand, with German Reich postage and Berlin cancellation; return address of the Cuban Legation, Rauchstraße 7, Berlin.
An intimate personal letter written during Capablanca’s diplomatic posting in Germany. He discusses financial difficulties, health concerns, and complications in Cuba, noting that “one needs money to live,” and expressing emotional strain in their relationship. In a revealing passage, he writes that he feared she might think he had “another woman” and that he no longer loved her, and closes affectionately, sending “kisses and tender embraces.”
In fine condition, with expected mailing folds and light edge wear; envelope with opening tear and minor paper loss along right edge.
José Raúl Capablanca y Graupera (19 November 1888 – 8 March 1942) was a Cuban chess player who was world chess champion from 1921 to 1927. A chess prodigy, he is considered by many one of the greatest players of all time, widely renowned for his exceptional endgame skill and speed of play.
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