Manuscript DS in French, signed "Paul Gauguin," one page, 8 x 4, no date but circa 1901-1903. Receipt issued at Atuona, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia, the final home of Paul Gauguin, where he resided from September 1901 until his death in May 1903. In full (translated): "Received from the [stamped: Commercial Society of Oceania / Papeete Agency] the sum of Seven hundred and one francs equivalent of 557.03 Marks deposited by Mr. A. Vollard Paris to Messieurs Scharf & Rayser, Hamburg." Handsomely matted beneath a colorful print of his 1901 painting 'Et l'or de leurs corps' [And the Gold of Their Bodies] to an overall size of 13 x 16.75. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing, some light stains, and a repaired area to the upper left blank area.
This significant financial document dates from the last two years of Paul Gauguin's life, when he lived in Atuona, the former capital of the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia. Gauguin had always wanted to see this group of volcanic islands located about 1,370 km northeast of Tahiti. He arrived at Atuona in August 1901 and lived there until his death at the age of 54, some 19 months later, in May 1903.
Gauguin signed this bank draft acknowledging receipt of 701 francs, a sum which had been deposited in marks in Hamburg, Germany, by the well-regarded art dealer Ambroise Vollard. A well-known patron of many struggling avant-garde artists, Vollard had secured an exclusive contract with Gauguin in 1899 by which Gauguin was granted a monthly salary of 300 francs, in addition to art materials, in return for a promised artistic output of 25 paintings per year. This receipt was undoubtedly one or two of Vollard's monthly installments plus materials. Gauguin's personal correspondence from this time period shows how anxious he became when mail was interrupted or he couldn't connect with Vollard. During his time on the Marquesas Islands, Gauguin completed such works as 'Et l'or de leurs corps (And the Gold of Their Bodies)' (1901), 'Le Sorcier d'Hiva Oa (Marquesan Man with a Red Cape)'(1902), and 'Jeune Fille à L'éventail (Young Girl with a Fan)' (1902). An ultra-desirable autograph from the final chapter of Gauguin's remarkable and adventurous career.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$300.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
