Description:

Pierre-Auguste Renoir
n.p., ca. 1883
Pierre-Auguste Renoir ALS Likely to Monet Re: Sale of Manet's Works
ALS

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919). Autograph Letter Signed, "Renoir," 1p, in French, on grid-lined paper measuring 7" x 8.875", no place, no date, but circa 1883 based on contents. Single central horizontal fold. Corner creasing and minor chipping. Browning with isolated areas of foxing. Closed tear at upper left. Overall, in very good condition.

A very intriguing letter 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 "Mon cher ami," 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," which depicts Monet in a boat.

Translated from French, 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 magnificent.

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 have also seen the speech by [Edouard] Pailleron for his reception at the Academy. After all, people have been having a great time in Paris lately."

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 7" x 8.875"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000