Boldly penned ALS in French, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, March 26, 1891. Letter to art critic and Monet biographer Gustave Geffroy. In part (translated): “Jean just arrived from Rouen. Without examining him not questioning him on his illness, the doctor sent him home saying that he had had enough time off. A report will be written along those lines. That is stupid. I will write to Clemenceau. I’ll ask him to try one last request, hoping that if he wants to intervene personally on my behalf he will get the requested favor since we are really talking about a favor. Otherwise it is obvious that Jean, if he were totally ill, would not need any support. Talk to Clemenceau and let me know what he tells you and what he does.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Monet’s hand.
After decades of financial struggle, Monet’s fortunes finally began to change at the start of the 1890s. When Durand-Ruel displayed fifteen paintings from Monet’s haystacks series in early 1891, all sold within days, enabling him to finally buy his house at Giverny, along with the surrounding buildings and the land for his gardens, where he would spend most of the remainder of his life and create some of his most iconic paintings. Writing to art critic and author Gustave Geffroy, one of the earliest historians of the Impressionist movement, Monet angrily tells of a doctor’s flippant response to his son Jean’s ‘illness,’ while also hinting that it may be an excuse for some extended time off. Enlisting the help of their mutual friend and future Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, who would go on to lead France in the First World War, he charmingly plays the role of the concerned father. A bold and attractive letter connecting three important French figures of the day. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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