ALS in French, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, Giverny par Vernon letterhead, January 7, 1918. Letter to a friend, in part (translated): "I am sorry for having to postpone my journey to Paris, but I have been troubled with rheumatic pains and with this weather I have to be cautious, especially with the difficult circumstances in Paris: I am now an old fool who has to take care of himself and be cautious. That’s why I will wait until the weather will be a little milder.
Still, if Tessier and Mr. Halvadsen are coming, would you please let me know in advance and tell me how they will be coming and at what time they will arrive? By the way, I wanted to tell you that, as I have already written to you, I am referring to 3 or 4 views of Norway at the indicated price and that apart from that I will not take less than the higher price and that I absolutely do not want to sell at these conditions. If those gentlemen like the (famous) views of Norway, they could take them with them, but I have no picture of them.
Regarding the painting of the garden, I don’t think it is good and I don’t allow you to deliver it. Besides, if it was not for you, I would prefer not to sell anything, keeping those which I find acceptable…By the rest, I am very disgusted." In fine condition.
In the winter of 1895, on the advice of his son-in-law Jacques Hoschede, Claude Monet undertook a long trip to Norway to find new inspirations. In one of the most taxing painting campaigns of his career, Monet was awestruck but initially frustrated in his search for good motifs amid the snowy landscape. He ultimately painted 29 Norwegian scenes during his stay, including at least six views of Sandvika, a village near Christiania whose iron bridge may have reminded him of the Japanese bridge at his home in Giverny.
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