ALS in French, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, personal Giverny letterhead, April 25, 1911. Letter to his friend and biographer Gustave Geffroy. In full (translated): "Because my wife’s health has grown so much worse since my trip to Paris, I haven’t been able to get around to sending you the nymphea painting I promised you. The crate will leave this evening and you should receive it tomorrow before you leave for Italy. In the folders inside it you will find the photographs of the mosaics I told you about, and by no means should you fail to go and see them. I have just gone through terrible weeks of worry. Today there is some semblance of improvement, but nothing more than that." Monet closes the letter, "In haste, your very unhappy friend," adding a postscript below, "P.S. I have just heard about the misfortune that has befallen you and I sympathize with all my heart. Please express my condolences to your mother and sister." In fine condition, with a stain to the upper right corner. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Monet’s hand.
Unfortunately, Monet’s wife would pass away less than a month after he wrote this letter on May 19. The “nymphea painting” Monet mentions here refers to one of his greatest series of works, the Water Lilies [Les Nympheas]. The paintings, consisting of approximately 250 works, depict Monet's flower garden at Giverny and were the main focus of his artistic production during the last thirty years of his life. They remain some of his most famous and popular pieces today. As a letter concerning one of Monet’s most celebrated works, this is an exceedingly desirable piece. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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