Important 19th century French painter (1832–1883) whose works, including such well-known images as ‘The Luncheon on the Grass’ and ‘Olympia,’ were a seminal influence on the impressionists of the succeeding generation. Partly-printed DS, in French, signed “Ed. Manet,” one page, 8 x 10, January 1, 1881. Untranslated document is a certificate of membership to the Société Arti & Amicitiae. Document appears to be mounted to a similar size board and is framed with an original pen and ink portrait of Manet by noted American artist Scott Prior and a color reproduction of one of his works to an overall size of 30.5 x 25. Three horizontal folds, a stamp to lower left, a couple edge chips and mild rippling from mounting, otherwise fine condition.
The Société Arti & Amicitiae of Paris was founded by a group of talented men and means to establish a nursing and retirement home for artists of all kinds, including painters, writers, musicians, scientists, and architects which also provided a pension for widows and their children if a member died penniless. Among its first subscriptions were Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas, all of whom pledged to adhere to the statutes of the company and as shareholders pay an admission fee of five francs plus a contribution of 24 francs per year.
By 1879, Manet's health was rapidly deteriorating. Originally believing himself to be suffering from rheumatism, the painter had previously employed several different homeopaths to treat his condition which alternated between hydrotherapy and rest cures, but the syphilis diagnosis had been made too late. His doctors warned the artist about taking too many treatments and too many drugs, but in looking for pain relief he ignored their advice. In 1881, he joined the Société Arti & Amicitiae in preparation for his impending death and on April 6, 1883, he took to his bed. Shortly thereafter he developed gangrene probably due to overuse of ergot. His leg was amputated and he died a painful death eleven days after the operation. Oversized. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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