May 2025 Auction Ends Thursday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
Very intriguing autograph letter signed by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, likely written in 1883 after the death of Edouard Manet as the content concerns the sale of Manet's artworks. Addressed to ''My dear friend'', Renoir is likely writing fellow impressionist Claude Monet as he refers to ''your portrait in the boat'', which would be Manet's painting ''The Barge'' depicting Monet in a boat. Translated from French, letter reads in full,
''My dear friend, / I've been very busy lately. There are many letters to write, which I don't like. My brother coming back from Russia, etc. In short, I forgot to write to you about the Manet sale, which exceeded all expectations because there was nothing. Those two rooms at the back that you know are not only full of sketches, but also two pastels. The few significant paintings were not enough to make us forget this ensemble, which made you want to scream for a reason. Fortunately, there were a few friends who made a start. Right up to [composer Emmanuel] Chabrier, who never exceeded 20 francs and who spent 5,000 on the 'Bar' [likely 'Bar aux Folies Bergeres']. Plus two other pastel paintings and the portrait of M..., the English poet, 1,800 francs. In short, 7,300 francs on the first day. If we had sold everything on the same day, everything would have been sold at very high prices. But the next day you could get the same things that would have cost 1,500 the day before for two or three hundred francs.
In short, for what was left in Manet's studio, it's great.
The family was stupid enough to buy Argenteuil for 12,500, Father [Victor] Chocquet bought your portrait in the boat for 12 or 15,000. The whole thing fetched 115,000. That leaves a net sum of around 90,000 francs.
I can see from your letters that you are happy and will bring us something new despite your worries. We await it with impatience. You have probably read the articles in Wolf..., He is beginning to block you, not because of his nonsense, but because he has become incomprehensible. You must also have seen the [?] by [Edouard] Pailleron for his reception at the Academy. After all, people have been having a great time in Paris lately. / Yours / Renoir''.
Single page measures 7'' x 8.875'' on grid-lined paper. Some browning, single fold and small closed tear. Very good condition.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir Autograph Letter Signed, Likely to Claude Monet -- ''...I forgot to write to you about the Manet sale, which exceeded all expectations because there was nothing...''
Click above for larger image.