ALS in French, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 6.75, no date but postmarked April 30, 1895. Handwritten letter to painter, art teacher, and collector Emile Schuffenecker, berating him for having listened to the "slander" of "the little snake," presumably referring to Gauguin's estranged wife Mette-Sophie Gad. He also makes reference to his "departure," most likely his final departure from France for Tahiti, which would occur two months later in June 1895. In full (translated): "My dear Schuffenecker and poor invalid, Already before my departure you were stupidly letting yourself be influenced by the little snake. Today it is more serious. What will I respond to this slander? Nothing. Your request coming from any other person, I would send you to hell with sarcasms; from you, I suffer from it because it makes you suffer. As for Bernard, that is another thing. I must respond and I pray that you send him my letter, with or without commentary from you. If you read it closely you will understand (what you should have done before) the motive prompting Bernard to act as he did." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Gauguin's hand.
A painter, art teacher, and collector—most notably one of Van Gogh’s earliest collectors—Schuffenecker was one of Gauguin’s closest friends, and an outspoken supporter of his artistic career. He was also responsible for proposing the important 1889 exhibition at the Volpini Gallery, which became a key moment in Gauguin’s career, expanding his influence on young painters.
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