ALS in French, signed “Aug. Rodin,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 7.25, 30 Old Burlington Street letterhead, June 24, 1906. Handwritten letter to British socialite Mary Hunter (1856-1933), whom Rodin sculpted in both bronze and marble, in part (translated): “I am sorry as I wanted so much to render you some services in testimony of admiration. I cannot, [as] I believe that I have resigned from this society with Paul Adam D’Indy only eight days ago. It publishes Les tendances nouvelles, as its organ. If I am wrong (you can send this card) and should it be another company putting the name of the artist I do not have it here. My distinguished deference.” In fine condition.

Rodin had met Hunter in London in 1902 and in November 1904 she traveled to his Meudon studio to sit for the sculptor. ‘There are several casts of her portrait in bronze, but Rodin admired the ‘marble’ quality of her flesh, and made [a] more elaborate version in that material [now in the Tate collection]. He told her she was like ‘an Englishwoman of the time of Pericles’ (that is, in the great period of Greek sculpture). The base of the sculpture is a cloudy, formless mound, decorated with a swag of roses, turning the head into a symbol of beauty, as well as a portrait.’ (Tate Gallery Label). Rodin and Hunter would remain friends and he was a guest at her country estate in Epping Forest and in her London home, whence he wrote our letter.

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