ALS, two pages, 9 x 7, Giverny par Vernon Eure, March 23, 1890. In a letter to friend and art critic, Gustave Geffroy, Monet writes, translated in full: “I am very worried because I have no news concerning what Pelleton may have attempted to persuade Mr. Bourgeois. Unfortunately I cannot wait indefinitely. Letting these things go will be bad for our cause. So far Larroument must know what we have tried in the direction of the Minister.” In fine condition, with scattered light toning, partial separation along the hinge and tears at each end, and slight haloing to the ink. Accompanied by original mailing envelope, addressed in Monet’s hand.
After a successful campaign to buy Eduoard Manet's much maligned painting Olympia from his widow, Monet campaigned vigorously to present the nude to the Musée de Luxembourg for exhibition, enlisting the help of Leon Bourgeois, the newly appointed Minister of Public Instruction and Fine Arts, through politician and deputy Claude Pelletan, a known radical.
In this letter to Geffroy, Monet's impatience grows as no word had come from the corrupt anarchist. Manet's detractors continued to hammer at Minister Bourgeois to block Olympia's admission into the museum on the grounds of "indecency." Monet feared that as more time passed, the controversy would eventually hurt "our cause" and felt the need to update Gustave Larroumet, Director of Fine Arts at the Sorbonne, of the lack of progress. Larroumet, also a well known art critic, carried political clout and his support was crucial for the exhibition. Thankfully, Bourgeois ignored the outcry and Pelletan was finally able to present Monet to his friend, M. Fallieres, the Minister of Public Instruction. Fallieres finally signed the order to accept the painting into the museum on November 17, 1890, and seventeen years later Olympia found a new home at the famed Louvre. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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