Description:

Edouard Manet
n.p., March 20, [n.y.]
Edouard Manet ALS Possibly Addressed to Brother-in-Law Rudolphe, Model of "Boating" & "Argenteuil"
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter in French signed by Impressionist artist Edouard Manet (1832-1883) as "Edouard Manet" on the second page. March 20, [n.y.] N.p. Inscribed on laid custom stationery paper pre-printed "Tout Arrive" ["Everything Happens"] on the first page. Expected wear including flattened paper folds, even toning, and scattered chips along the top edge. Else very good to near fine. 4.125" x 5.25."

Manet addressed this letter to "Rudolphe," possibly his brother-in-law, Rudolphe Leenhoff (1843-1903). Rudolphe (variously spelled Rodolphe, Rudolph, or Rudolf) was the younger brother of Manet's wife Suzanne Leenhoff Manet, a Dutch-born piano teacher and Manet's longtime mistress before their marriage in 1863. Manet occasionally featured his brother-in-law Rudolphe in his artwork; Rudolphe is the probable model in two of Manet's paintings: "Argenteuil" (1874) and "Boating" (1874). In both of these paintings, Rudolphe is depicted as a handsome mustachioed man garbed in summer sailor apparel, either seated in or next to a sailboat.

Full transcript, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"20 mars

Mon cher Rudolphe

passe le plutôt possible 6 impasse de la Madeleine chez Mr. Durusquec - c'est le chatelain dont je t'ai parlé tu te présenteras de la part de Mr. Raudier - tu feras bien si vous vous arrangez de lui demander en avance la moitie d'un mois pour payer ton voyage et faire quelques achats necessaires

Je te serre la main

Edouard Manet"

Full translation, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"March 20

My dear Rudolphe

go as soon as possible [to] 6 impasse de la Madeleine at Mr. Durusquec's - he is the chateau owner who I talked to you about you will introduce yourself on behalf of Mr. Raudier - you will do well if you come to an agreement to ask him for half a month in advance to pay for your trip and make several necessary purchases

I shake your hand

Edouard Manet."

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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  • Dimensions: 4.125" x 5.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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