Lot #304

Claude Monet Autograph Letter Signed on Death of His Wife: "I feel devastated, destroyed by this cruel separation"

Description

Monet, lamenting the death of his wife, writes to a champion of the Impressionist movement: "Despite all my courage, despite the tenderness and affection of the children, I feel devastated, destroyed by this cruel separation"

Significant ALS in French, signed "Your very unfortunate old friend, Claude Monet" and "Cl. M.," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, black-bordered Giverny par Vernon letterhead, May 29, 1911. Handwritten letter to his friend Gustave Geffroy (1855-1926), a French art critic who championed the Impressionist movement, shortly after the death of his wife, Alice Hoschedé. In part (translated): "I wanted to tell you all the good that your presence did me on this terrible day (eight days ago today). I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am sorry to know that you are being held back by your mother's health and want to hope that it's only a question of diet and that a better one soon will allow you to come spend a day near me, because, despite all my courage, despite the tenderness and affection of the children, I feel devastated, destroyed by this cruel separation. Thank you for your good encouragement, but it’s stronger than me, I have to cry, my dear companion, and I cry for her, alas!" In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Monet's own hand.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #680 - Ended December 06, 2023

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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