Important 19th century French painter (1832–1883) whose works were a seminal influence on the impressionists of the succeeding generation. ALS in French, signed “E. Manet,” one page, 3.75 x 6, no date. Letter to painter, etcher, and printmaker Henri Guerard. In full (translated): "My wife is doing better but we have been very worried—convalescence will no doubt be long. You seem happy about your sojourn in Dieppe just that you are extending it. Is Madame Eva working?" In fine condition, with a rough left edge.
This letter presents several wonderful associations within the French art world. Guerard was a respected etcher in his own right—the best French aquatint etcher of his time, in Manet’s opinion. He shared a close artistic relationship with Manet for many years, occasionally posing for him and producing etchings after Manet’s paintings. The “Madame Eva” referenced here must refer to Eva Gonzales, Manet’s first and only formal pupil, who married Guerard in 1879. Like the few other female Impressionists, her work was largely overlooked at the time and has become increasingly acclaimed over the years. Manet also mentions his wife, Suzanne Leenhoff, who frequently modeled for his paintings. Although it seems that she was recovering from an illness at the time of this letter, it was Edouard’s health that steadily deteriorated beginning in the 1870s. A crisply penned, desirable letter by one of the pivotal figures in the development of Impressionism. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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