Highly regarded French painter (1830–1903), one of the leading figures of the impressionist movement, best known for his distinctive pointillist style. ALS in French, signed “C. Pissarro,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, December 27, 1892. Letter addressed to “My dear Julie.” Translated in full: “One cannot rely on the punctuality of the mail these days; would you believe that your letter to Lise only arrived here yesterday, thus too late to be communicated in time; I hope that you were nevertheless on time at your aunt’s. Something else even more extraordinary, I received yesterday the letter that you sent to Lucien on Saturday, the imbeciles at the Hotel who know my name, even though Lucien is staying with them, still sent the letter to me; I thought it would be useless to sent it back because it would have come back to me, and besides it was too late. The 2 p.m. train just came by, nobody. Lucien wrote that he would perhaps miss it and would be on the 3:45.
I enclose herewith a letter from Mrs. Mirbeau that must be answered. Peissier writes to me that the notary in Chaumont agrees to smaller fees and will have Edoline sign a promise to receive the six thousand francs in three months or perhaps in one month. That will mean another fee to pay but it will not be much. What do you think of the letter that Georges wrote about Lucien. I thought it was not very nice of him. In fact I told him that it was not the right moment to make fun of Lucien when he is the one who was wrong when he sent a postcard to Titi to this address – Mr. Felix c/o Lucien Pissarro!
What is the matter with him? Those are children’s games, for sure! But please!!...
The ironing woman came today, which surprised me, but I hear that Esterbee asked her to come by, she is ironing drapes. Anyway, Maria will give her what Esterbee wanted her to iron. Good God! If she lets her ironing woman do her thing, she will be well served. Too bad, I don’t understand anything. What bad weather! I worked hard yesterday and this morning, despite the stove that seems to be on its last leg. I have a letter from Georges for Titi; since he is supposed to come and I am not sure of the speed of the mail, I am keeping it for him. Rodolphe is very well; Maria keeps up with her things. Please give our love to the children and to Mimi. Compliments to aunt and uncle.”
After his signature, Pissarro writes: “Peissier told me that you must copy your will on a 1F20 sheet of paper. It does not have to be done in the presence of a witness, as with me; try to have it done before he leaves and let him know, he will leave around the 3 or 4 of January, you could find out by writing to him. I think it would be a wise thing to do. Don’t worry about the ironing woman, she just told me that she knows what to do, that you explained to her. Lucien arrived on the 6 p.m. train with Aunt Ora and Esther.”
In very good condition, with partial separation along hinge, scattered light toning, heavier to first page, a couple small pencil notations, and some light show-through from writing on opposing sides.
Considered to be the patriarch of the Impressionist movement, Pissarro here writes an interesting, multi-topic letter to his wife. A few months later, he would finally garner long-awaited international recognition with a large-scale retrospective of his work. Known as a man who constantly encouraged younger artists to reach their full potential, that encouragement also extended to son, Lucien, who studied under his father and became a respected leader in the late 19th century art world. Remarkable topics from the busy mind of an artistic master.
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