ALS in French, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, Giverny par Vernon letterhead, September 5, 1916. Letter to a friend, commenting on France's involvement in World War I. In full (translated): "I would like to know if you can tell me when you are thinking of coming by. I already wrote to you to find out but without any reply. I am afraid my letter might not have reached you. I told you I would have some craftsman over in my studio and that’s why it will be impossible to enter it. Since you are coming over so soon, I delayed the craftsman. Otherwise, I would have them come immediately as I absolutely need it to be fixed. As my letter told you, Michel was back on furlough, but he is back again now [in the war]. This is all so sad. And now, even the weather gets bad. The winter that is coming, and then age and fatigue, and despite everything I work, I search. Sending my love to Louis. I am waiting for a word." In fine condition, with a light corner crease.
When the first World War broke out in August 1914, Claude Monet's youngest son, Michel, volunteered to fight in the French infantry. The war weighed heavily on the artist's mind, and he painted a series of weeping willow canvases as an homage to the fallen French soldiers. He also dedicated his monumental 'Water Lilies' panels—portraying his famed gardens at Giverny—to the nation, at first promising to sign them on Victory Day. Though he continued to rework the paintings until his death in 1926, with Georges Clemenceau's aid they were bequeathed to the Musee de l'Orangerie, where they remain exhibited to this day.
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