ALS in French, signed “Renoir,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 6, no date. Letter to Paul Berard about his illness. In full (translated): “I just received your kind letter. I am in full recovery. I went out today and I am starting to eat regularly. But the doctor forbids me to return to Paris which distresses me. He wants me to go to Ajaccio [Corsica] which is for me a true exile because I would have liked to be back a long time ago. Anyway one has to be reasonable because it went a lot faster than the doctor had hoped. I thank you a lot for your room. I will write you soon and if I decide to not listen to the doctor I will maybe use it. It’s all I have to say, except that you are very kind to take interest in me. [Illegible name] also has been very kind he showed me lot of friendship for which I am very grateful. Please convey my thoughts to Mrs. Berard and I don’t leave out the children.” Reverse of first page bears a few lines by Eduard Renoir which reads (translated): “Best compliments to Mrs. and Mr. Berard for their devoted care. Ed-Renoir.” Central horizontal and vertical fold, one through a single letter of signature, and a bit of light mirroring of Eduard’s writing over text, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Renoir’s hand.
Berard was banker and patron of Renoir, as well being one his closet friends. That familiarity is telling in this correspondence, as Berard has undoubtedly invited him to convalesce at his country estate—to which Renoir replies, “if I decide to not listen to the doctor I will maybe use it...you are very kind to take interest in me.” Renoir also notably sends his regards to Berard’s children—all four of whom were subjects of some of Renoir's most famous portraits. In 1898, Renoir’s health began to be affected by severe attacks of rheumatoid arthritis, with the Impressionist alternating bouts of illness with improved health. Great content as Renoir contacts a friend whose family helped him create some of his greatest masterpieces. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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