Highly influential French painter (1840–1926) who was among the leading figures of the impressionist movement, which took its name from the title of one of Monet’s works. ALS in French, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 7.5, black-bordered personal letterhead, May 2, 1912. Monet writes to his close friend, art critic Gustave Geffroy (1855–1926). In part (translated): “I telegraphed you a few days ago, requesting that you send me news from [Prime Minister] Clemenceau. I did not want to bother him with this and reveal to him my concern…. I hope you are well. As for me, I am not doing better at all, my morale is getting along. I cannot finish my ‘Venice’ and I am desperate because the exhibit has been irrevocably announced. I have lost the little that was good in these paintings…. I do not know if Clemenceau told you, but I almost imposed upon your friendship to contribute to a preface of a catalog. Feneon wrote to me [suggesting] either you or Mirabeau, who was just in Giverny. I gave him the letter, sure that he could not take care of it, given his condition, but he seemed to insist and wanted to make the effort to do it. Of course this touched me, but I feared at the same time that he would reveal things that do not merit it. With you, I would have been more at ease to ask you to be more sober with the praise. It is true that I can at the last moment back out of the exhibition.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Monet’s hand and a 1926 newspaper obituary. Matted and framed (so that all pages are visible), together with the envelope and a color print, to an overall size of 25 x 13.5. In fine condition, with irregularity to ink flow, with the result that several words, including the last name of his signature, are rather lighter than the rest, yet fully legible. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
