Important French painter and printmaker (1864–1901) whose lively, colorful portrayals of the people and places of fin-de-siècle Paris take a place among the most iconic images of the era. Toulouse-Lautrec’s immersion in art stemmed largely from his isolation following a disfiguring teenage accident that failed to heal properly, preventing his legs from growing further while his torso continued to develop normally. Extremely scarce ALS in French, signed “Henri,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 6, no date [Herbert Schimmel dates it to the summer of 1885]. Letter to his cousin, close friend and drinking companion Raoul Tapié de Celeyran (1868-1937) that Lautrec painted mounted on a donkey. In full: “My dear Raoul, I have sent you a little bronze box. I hope you will like it. You ask me what would please me. Send me some wine. This is what I would do. I will try some samples of red wine. I will tell you the prices and you will send me the number of bottles you will like. Fewer bottles but good. Cordially to you, Henri at Mr. Fabre, in Taussat by Ambeuge, Gironde.” In fine condition, with a mild shade of overall toning and a couple of slight brushes to text. A moving letter from the start of Lautrec’s descent into alcoholism. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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