Typed Letter Signed

Famed Mexican caricaturist and sculptor who worked and exhibited in New York in the 1920s and '30s; in a February 1936 "Time" magazine review of an exhibit of his figures in Manhattan, the review noted his "brilliantly colored little figures," wax pieces less than 6" tall; he described Hidalgo as a "round-faced swart young man... hates parties, is intensely serious, neither drinks nor smokes, works ten hours a day, owns only one suit of clothes, and has traveled by ox cart, automobile and burro... studying the Indians of his native land...." TLS "Hidalgo," 1p, 8¼" X 10 3/4", Mexico City, Mexico, 1948 November 16. Addressed to Mrs. Granger Brown. Very good. Mailing folds (not weakened). Good content, in English, regarding a figurine he was commissioned to make for this Lake Forest, Illinois socialite, reading in part: "My suggestion is to make a baby deer... it is very difficult to send these figures by mail, across the border, I would suggest that we wait until possibly someone from Illinois comes to Mexico and can take them back personally... which will eliminate the many problems and red tape involved with the Customs...." Handsome bold signature in brown ink. At lower left, he makes a delightful small sketch (using blue, red and green pencil) of a Mexican peasant in large sombrero, back to the viewer, seated in the grass -- quite charming. Unusual.