ALS (in pencil) in French, signed “Renoir,” one page, 4.25 x 6.5, no date [circa 1860]. Renoir writes to a friend. In full (translated): “If you have sold your Fromentin, there is, in the Bernheim-Jeune Gallerie, Avenue de l’Opera, a superb Corot nature study. 3,500 [francs]. I saw it only this evening and I would have bought it myself if I had been able to afford it.” A pencil notation in another hand on the reverse indicates that the original recipient was Paul Gallimard (1850–1929), a publisher and collector friend of Renoir’s. Gallimard was one the artist’s greatest champions, while Renoir’s esteem for his friend was such that he painted a famous likeness of Gallimard’s wife in 1892. Mailing fold very slightly touching signature and a block of uniform toning from previous framing, otherwise fine condition. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. From the Jerry Granat collection.
