Description:

Camille Pissarro Writes to Wife During Exhibition That Sparked His Success

Camille Pissarro (1830-1903). Autograph Letter Signed, "C. Pissarro", in French, 4pp, on two bifold sheets, 5" x 8", Paris, France, February 14, 1892. Expected mailing folds. Toning, scattered foxing and minor soiling. Light show through and a bit of ink splatter to first page. In near fine condition.

Camille Pissarro wrote this letter to his wife, Julie, during his retrospective exhibition at Durand-Ruel, Paris. The show was entitled "Camille Pissarro" and ran from January 23, 1892 to February 20, 1893. This show was the turning point in Pissarro's success, taking him from a struggling painter to an appreciated artist.

His letter, partially translated: "I have only a moment for writing. We received the package yesterday. Thank you. I will be well enough thus although these clothes are a little light. I am worried to learn that you allowed Rodolphe to go out so soon. This is not prudent, this illness is devilishly persistent, the smallest foolish ness makes it come back and it stays for ages, so be careful. Mirbeau and his wife are still ill and unable to come to Paris today. The article of Mirbeau appeared in Figaro and is much too good. It is really kind being treated so well especially in the state of illness in which he finds himself. The painting went wonderfully I am only borrowing the picture 'The Fog of London' of Gallimard, Rodin refused me his, I don't know why but I already have main thing. I will write to you about how it went..."

Below his father's letter, Lucien Pissarro writes to his mother, and signs, "Lucien". Translated, in part: "in the short card which I have written to you rapidly I didn't have the space or the time to speak to you at length of the exhibition, so much more since Papa kept up to date on what we're doing. I will leave for Brussels Thursday morning..." 

Camille Pissarro was a groundbreaking French Impressionist painter known for his urban and rural scenes and his portrayals of working people. In his middle years as an artist, he pioneered the distinctive style known as pointillism, which is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. Pissarro was the only artist to show his work in all eight Impressionist group exhibitions; throughout his career he remained dedicated to the idea of such alternative forums of exhibition. A supportive friend and mentor to influential artists such as Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin, he was described by many who knew him as “Father Pissarro".

In 1871, Pissarro married his mother's maid, Julie Vellay (1838-1926). Together they had seven children, six of which who would become painters. Their eldest son, Lucien Pissarro (1863-1944), was of particular note. He studied with his father and spent his formative years surrounded by his father's fellow artists, such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who frequented the Pissarro home.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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