In the summer of 1937 Leon Despres, then 29 years old, went with his wife, Marian, on a three-week vacation to Mexico. A lawyer friend, Albert Goldman, had asked them to deliver a letter and some clothing to one of his clients, Leon Trotsky.
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After they arrived in Mexico the Despres went to the house to deliver the letter and clothing. They expected to be there for only an hour.
The Despres mentioned that they were interested in buying some Mexican art, and Trotsky’s secretary suggested that they have Rivera do a portrait of Marian, because he would give the fee to Trotsky. The couple agreed and arranged to come back another day.
One of Trotsky’s secretaries invited the Despres to accompany the Trotskys to Taxco for five days, and they accepted. Once there, the two couples played cards and kickball, went horseback riding, and spent time sightseeing in the mountains. Everyone spoke French, even though Trotsky read the New York Times daily and spoke English fluently.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Saverio Truglia.
