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Dear Madame Blanchard:
A note to tell you how much I adore Maximillien de Lafayette. I met him, years ago here in Odessa, Ukraine during his art show presented by the Ukraine Arts Society. It was beautiful beautiful. We always talk about him in our country. He has been so nice to the people of the Ukraine. He painted 4 fabulous paintings about my country and donated to us. Ivan count Romanoff was the curator of the show. He made an historical speech when he told the guests and the official dignitaries that Mr. de Lafayette donated all the proceeds of the sale of his painting to our people. I am sure it was millions of dollars he gave. It was very generous of him. And then, we lost touch with him. We did not know what happened to him. I read two articles about him which made me very sad and I cried so much when I knew that he died. I could not sleep. I am in pain all the time. I have some of his books which I honor. I could not have a painting from him because I could not afford it. So, what I do is go to the Internet and read about him. There are maybe thousands of articles about him. But the biggest surprise for me and for Dimitry Pavlidies (A friend of Mr. Maximillien) is when I found a very beautiful page about him written by Ms. Michele Davis from America. Mr. Maximillien picture with Ms. Davis was on her website. She said that she met him in Georgetown in America when he used to live there many years ago. I am so happy he is alive. Very very happy and I am crying. Did you know about Ms. Davis? it is really beautiful what she wrote about him. Please can you print what she wrote? I am sure the friends and fans of Mr. Maximillien will be very happy to read it. This is what she wrote in her website http://www.johnpdaviscollection.org/index.html http://www.johnpdaviscollection.org/news.html and here too http://www.johnpdaviscollection.org/gpage6.html . And before I leave you, please let me know how can I be in touch with my hero? We love him so much. Sincerely, yours, Marina Elena Terechencko, Odessa, Ukraine (Former Soviet Union).
John P Davis Collection
Maximillien De Lafayette and Michelle DeMond Davis in Paris Bisou
"He is an imposing figure
to Progressive Neo Cubism.”
One October night in 1996, I parked my car in front of the Marquis De Rochambeau in Georgetown of Washington, D.C. I had intended to spend a quiet evening at the Bistro Francis. However I met a tall, distinguished, and extremely handsome man, parking his silver grey Rolls Royce right behind my car. He asked me to move my car - just a little - so that his car could fit into a parking space in front of the Marquis.
We were walking towards the Bistro- when he invited us for dinner in the Marquis Rochambeu. That night, I walked into one of America’s most elegant, and sophisticated French-American cabaret-restaurants. The Washington Posts had dubbed it: "The hottest spot in town and the last refuge for the clever". The expensive décor, in the millions, and his $10,000 a bottle on the wine list - stayed in the local and national press. The Marquis was a place for diplomats, royals, and expatriates from around the globe. We enjoyed Tango Argentino & Brazilian Samba Shows, Concerts by Bolero Tres, Mambo Kings, France's Great Jean Pierre Duclay, and the legendary Super Star Simone Marchand. Max gave me entre into a different world. However, beneath all the glitz and glam of the penthouse apartment in D.C., the home on Mass Ave, and his residences in London, Paris, and Italy, he was just plain ole Max – Mad Max.
We love him. He's a legend in Georgetown. I am honored that he would honor the memory of my grandfather by donating Rebirth to the John P. Davis Collection. This donation takes our Collection to a total different level. A level I had not expected the John P. Davis Collection to attained for many years. He has always been my surrogate dad - stepping in always at the right time. I met my husband through him. He was always trying to marry me off to someone from the right family. He has been a source of inspiration, guidance, and love. These days he has a quiet life, spending part of his time in London, Paris, and Milan. He does not go about in the London social life. The rest of the time he resides in Paris and Milan, and he does not go about in the Parisian or Milanese social life, either. He is an icon for progressive Neo Cubism artist all over the world. Recently he was practically mobbed by an adoring crowd at an event in London. He has a Website and gets thousands of emails. The John P. Davis Collection thanks Maximillien De Lafayette for his generous donation. Sincerely, With Love, Michelle DeMond Davis
Madame Blanchard, Ms. Davis on a separate page wrote this:
Maximillien De Lafayette donates Neo Cubism “Rebirth” to The John P Davis Collection
Maximillien De Lafayette presented NEO CUBISM Rebirth to the John P. Davis Collection in honor of John Preston Davis. Maximillien De Lafayette called the greatest “Neo Cubism Pioneer” of our generation by some critics, is known for his Progressive Neo Cubism
At a small, private ceremony in London, Michelle DeMond Davis remarked, "I am deeply honored to receive such a fine and cherished work from Maximillien De Lafayette in honor of my grandfather John P. Davis. The gift is a testament to the respect The John P. Davis Collection commands from friends. De Lafayette lives in London and Italy. To find out more about the artist behind the easel please visit www.maximilliendelafayette.com.
YOUR PAINTINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING
Dear
Max,
I spent some quality time looking at your web site. Your paintings are
absolutely breathtaking. I felt a deep emotional response and connection to
them. I cannot even begin to imagine what they must look like in person. I am
so impressed by your extraordinary, multi-talented gifts as painter, writer,
poet, on and on and on...And I am truly blessed and honored that you are so
supportive and encouraging of my talents as well. And I can completely relate
to the crossroads of walking away from your art. I'm at that very point in my
life also. Thank you for all of your gifts that have touched me. In
admiration, Rhe De Ville
Elaine's
note: Ms. De Ville's CD "ECHOES OF MY HEART" was selected as Best JAZZ CABARET
CD of the Year! Rhe is taking the world of cabaret by storm. Thank you, Rhe,
for your lovely letter. We will treasure it! De Lafayette strongly believes
you are LA CRÈME DE LA CRÈME!
We are glad to inform you that we are selecting the artists for the next Florence Biennale. In our website www.florencebiennale.org you can find all the information regarding the exhibition. The internal committee saw your work in your website and approves your participation in this Biennale 2005 that will be held in the Fortezza da Basso from 3 to 11 december. In collaboration with the United Nations, the Biennale is also an official participant in the "Dialogue among Civilizations" program. In the words of Kofi Annan, I believe that the dialogue is an opportunity for people of different cult". If you are interested please send us an e-mail promptly with your address so that we can send you all the necessary documents for your participation in this Biennale 2005. We hope to hear from you soon! Please use only these addresses for your mail : Arte Studio Via Guelfa, 116. pierocelona" <celonap@artestudio.net 50129, Firenze, ITALIA. P. Celona, Firenze, Italy,
Dear Dr. Celona: You honored us by asking Mr. de La Croix de Lafayette to
participate in your prestigious international art exhibition in Florence,
Italy. Unfortunately, Mr. de Lafayette no longer participates in any art
event, nor exhibits his art in galleries or museums. He chose a different
path in life. For the past 10 years, he devoted his time to review others'
works and write art critiques in syndicated columns in Europe and the United
States. Coincidentally, last year, he wrote about you, your event and each
member of your 2004 committee in the special issue of the year of World Art
Celebrities Journal
http://www.worldartcelebritiesjournal.com (Section: Best Art
Events of 2004). Thank you again, and please stay in touch. Sincerely,
Elaine Blanchard
Your
paintings are incredible! Are you still painting, or is the writing takes all
your time?, Dr. Ilil Arbel, Jerusalem, Israel
Thank you, Dr. Arbel. Coming from you is a great compliment and an honor. De Lafayette stopped painting, years ago. Elaine's note. Dr. Arbel is the author of many books. She is an international authority on folklore, mythology and civilization. Dr. Arbel was nominated this year as one of the 100 outstanding women of the year. Her book "The Lemon Tree" was selected as one of the best 10 books of the year.
ARTICLES BY MR. MAXIMILLIEN de LAFAYETTE ABOUT FLORENCE BIENNALE
Dear Elaine Blanchard: Thanks for your e-mail. We couldn't find the article even after navigating for long time on the huge website. We found an article for the artists who participated in last editions. Would you mind to send us the exact link for it? We would be grateful to have a copy of it, to put it on our website and in our press office. We would like also to keep in touch with Mr. de La Croix de Lafayette. Maybe we can find a way to collaborate. Our best wishes, Arte Studio, Florence Biennale. Sandra M., Responsible for general secretariat, Florence, Italy.
Here are the links to 2 articles written by Mr. Maximillien de Lafayette about Florence Biennale. The first article appeared in the International Herald Daily News http://www.internationalheralddailynews.org/art_around_the_globe_by_maximill.htm . The second article article appeared in STARS ILLUSTRATED http://www.worldartcelebritiesjournal.com/world_of_art_of_maximillien_de_l.htm . As to the collaboration with Mr. de Lafayette, of course, there is always a way to collaborate with him. He gave his life to art, meaning the art of others, not his own. The man could be a great asset to your Biennale. I am sure he will contribute to your efforts. I will try to reach him and talk to him about it. Elaine Blanchard
You rock the world!
Alison England, Paris, France.
Thank you Prima Dona England. Coming from an international opera star like Alison England, IS a great honor. Merci!
Elaine's note: Diva Alison England is considered today as the Leading Opera American Star in Europe.
ART
IS IMMORTAL
Dear Maximillien de Lafayette: On behalf of Piero and Pasquale Celona, and
of the many, many people who have worked towards the success of the
Florence Biennale, I am writing to thank you for the enthusiastic support
that you expressed recently in your internet column 'Art Around
the Globe'. It may interest you to know that Christo and Jeanne-Claude,
whom you rightly cite, have agreed to come to the Florence Biennale on
December 8th this year to accept the Career Award. All of us share
the ideals that you state so eloquently on the same page,
Art is an immortal human necessity. If art never existed, humanity
would have not lasted throughout centuries. With best
regards, John T Spike Director, Florence Biennale, Firenze, Italy.
Elaine's note: Dr. John T. Spike is a noted historian of Italian art of the fifteenth through the eighteenth centuries. In 1979, he earned his PhD from Harvard University with a thesis devoted to Mattia Preti, the seventeenth-century painter known as Il Cavalier Calabrese. In recognition of his authoritative studies on Preti, Spike has recently been named an honorary citizen by Taverna, the artist's birthplace. Since 1989, Dr. Spike has been General Editor of The Illustrated Bartsch, the multi-volume compendium of European prints executed before 1750. He is also the author of four of the more than ninety volumes published to date.
HONORING MAXIMILLIEN de LAFAYETTE Global Latitudes Org of Washington, DC in America honored de Lafayette for his contributions to art. This was very nice. He must have received tons of awards. Why don't you list them all on your website. I read the press release at the organization's website at http://www.globallatitudes.org/subpage2.html . I am copying the text from their site. "Maximillien de Lafayette is Honored by Global Latitudes. Washington, DC (July 7, 2004) – Global Latitudes announced today that Maximillien de Lafayette, has been selected to be honored as the 2004 Globe Trotter Awards recipient. Global Latitudes is working to build global communities of trust that support global city-to-city relationships. Dr. Lafayette was recognized for his vision and leadership supporting initiatives that promote global cultural interconnectivity. The Award was announced on July 3, 2004 in Washington DC, at the Our World round table session. The Globe Trotter Awards honor individuals and corporations from different sectors selected by Global Latitudes as being the innovators doing work of the greatest likely long-term significance to sustain a peaceable coexistence. Michelle D. Davis, founder and Chairman of the Global Latitudes, added: “The Globe Trotter Awards program was created to recognize truly extraordinary innovation on a global scale, the sort of work that could be described as creating our collective future and changing our world. Dr. Lafayette’s contribution in the field of world arts has been outstanding, and his selection as a new Global Latitude’s advisor is public acknowledgement of that fact." Global Latitudes is a Washington DC -headquartered organization that was created to "encourage a peaceable coexistence for our global communities. "For more information on Global Latitudes, please visit their website, www.globallatitudes.org . Sincerely, Marina Fortini, Roma, Italy.
Marina: de Lafayette does not believe in awards, honors and titles. Read the brief biography synopsis of his career posted on this website. However, I appreciate your sincere interest in his work. Thank you very much.-Elaine Blanchard.
DEFINITELY
SINFUL!!
It was definitely SINFUL!!! I spent hours pouring over page after page of your breathtaking new web site, neglecting my own obligations. As I said, positively SINFUL (note the word positive here). Congratulations, Maximillien!!! You have to be thrilled. There’s only one other person I know of in recent history (the past 100 years), who led such a multi faceted, productive life: Nicholas Roerich. Roerich was a renowned archaeologist, a lawyer, a spiritual teacher, a poet, and writer of over 30 books on diverse subjects. He established International Art Institutes and was a great humanitarian; nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Some 200 of his over 7,000 paintings are on view at the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City. As an art critic (Roerich was one too), you must visit this little known New York treasure. I've been at the Museum when there was only 1 other viewer. It would give me such pleasure to go there with you. I’m a patron of the Museum; a very small deal. Also, I wrote about Roerich under the key of Beauty in my “Seven Keys to Live a Masterful Life.” He is called the Master of Beauty. So Maximillien, let’s right what possibly went wrong and share a creative experience on neutral, uplifting, and beautiful ground. Your friend, Paulette Attie.
Dear Ms. Attie: Your email was redirected to me and I enjoyed reading it. Especially, when I recognized your famous name. De Lafayette told me that you were the only American diva who has been accepted by Le Theatre de France and the legendary Jean Louis Barault. Quite an honor. Please, write more and tell us everything you know about Maitre Maximillien de Lafayette. Many thanks, dear.- Elaine Blanchard.
Elaine's note: Ms. Attie is the
"2005 International Entertainment Star of the Year". She is the
only American stage diva who has been asked by France's great, Jean-Louis
Barault to perform at the prestigious Theatre de France. Ms. Attie performed
in 1,000 stage, TV and opera productions worldwide. She received 5 Golden
Globe awards and President George Bush's citation of honor for her
contributions to the world of music.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations! More power
to you! I just explored quite a bit of your website--not all yet; there is
much to pursue. I am impressed and thoughtful. Perhaps there is a problem
with my computer because I could not read the whole story of how you got
into the monastery and also how you got into the theatre business. I'd like
to know the whole story. Thanks for saving the newspaper for me. I am really
interested in the article. As to what's new, this week I read Nat Herz's
text (71 double spaced typewritten pages) that accompanies his March On
Washington photos, and it is magnificent! As you know I am looking for a
publisher, and I believe a documentary could be made of it; it should be on
the radio, etc. It would be good for America, especially now. Last week I
saw the movie, Hotel Rwanda. Have you seen it? I think it goes along with
your interests, and you will be touched, strengthened and inspired by it.
Barbara Singer, USA
Elaine's note: Ms. Singer was
elected "Outstanding Woman of the Year-2004, USA".
I am a friend of Max's. I am trying to get in touch with him. Is there a way to contact him as I tried an old number I had and could not reach him. Donia Newman, California, USA.
Mr. de
Lafayette is in London. He used to be the Editor-in-Chief of the International
Herald Daily news
http://www.internationalheralddailynews.org
. Probably you should write directly to the news agency in England. We
lost touch with him, because really, nobody knows a thing about his
whereabouts.
GREAT SITE!
Yes! great site. Why it took you so long to create this amazing website? Is de Lafayette still alive? I really hope so. Where does he live? Yasmine Abou Sharaf, New York, USA.
ART
AND CURSE!Being an artist is not a blessing but a curse... Rimbaud wrote, It is not the fault of the wood that awakes to find itself a violin...Cynthia Karalla, Rome, Italy.
Elaine's note: Ms. Karalla's artwork is exhibited at the world's most prestigious museums, including The Museum of Modern art in New York, USA.
MAYBE YOU ARE RIGHT! WHAT A WASTED TALENT!
I find it hard to believe de Lafayette alienated himself and went on isolating himself, when the world of art was his oyster! He made it. So why did he abandon what the Lord gave him? What a wasted great talent...Gloria Zimbalist, Chicago, USA.
MAIL AND WEIRDOES!
Why don't you have a direct link to a message board? I guess you're fearing some weirdoes might write all sorts of things. I got it. Anyway, I am a new fan of the French artist de Lafayette. Should I say artist or chain of artists. I had no idea Lafayette was a painter. I thought he was a journalist and a critic. I read his articles in the Monthly Herald. What I liked most about him is that he does not give bad reviews. Always he writes nice things about people. I call this decency. Man, let me tell you he is great. Scott Townsend, Maryland, USA.
This is the best site so far. Best complete website because you posted wonderful masterpieces by de Lafayette I have not seen elsewhere. Do you have a newsletter I can subscribe to? Melanie Dupont, Paris, France.
IMPRESSIVE
PRESENTATION
I just discovered you. I saw a listing of your site at Top Site 30. It was selected the SITE OF THE MOMENT. Fab! Congrats. Lovely site. Good work and impressive presentation. Sandra York, Bristol, UK.