ALS signed “H. de T-Lautrec,” one page, 5.25 x 8, no date [circa September-October 1875]. Letter to his “Dear Mamma.” In full: “I have received Marraine’s letter yesterday. We could not go out today because it rained very much. Miss Braine brings me décalcomanies [decals] and I do them well. M. Verrier does all he can for you may be satisfied on Lyon’s arrival. I am very happy. I will do all I can for you may be satisfied. We have just taken a little groom for the pony. Good-bye my dear mamma. I kiss you very much and everybody too.” Central vertical and horizontal folds, light creases, and subtle foxing, otherwise fine condition.
Learning English from his beloved Irish nanny, Miss Braine, who stayed with the family for more than ten years, young Henri wrote this letter shortly before his eleventh birthday in hopes of impressing his mother with his command of the language. Aside from three one-line notes included in letters written late in life, only one other full-length English letter of his is known to exist, also written to his mother a few days after this one. The problems with his legs that would nearly cripple him has an adult had already begun to trouble him, leading his mother to place him in the care of Dr. Verrier, the physician mentioned in this letter; yearning for her satisfactions he reassures his “dear Mamma” that both he and the doctor are doing all they can. With two interesting notes touching on the young Lautrec’s passions, horseback riding—“we have just taken a little groom for the pony”—and art—“Miss Braine brings me décalcomanies and I do them well”—this remarkable letter shows an early glimpse into the budding artist’s character. Also boasting the first, childlike sketch that Lautrec ever incorporated into a letter, the little round “kiss” following his signature, this is by far one of the most desirable letters from the future French bohemian ever to come to auction. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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