French art historian and administrator (1852–1903). LS signed “Gustave Larroumet,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.75, Ministere de l'Instruction Publique et des Beaux Arts letterhead, June 17, 1893. Untranslated letter to "Monsieur Claude Monet, artiste peintre," discussing the donation of Edouard Manet's painting "Olympia" to the state. In fine condition. Accompanied by a manuscript copy of Monet's reply.
Edouard Manet’s painting 'Olympia,' an arrestingly bold nude of a reclining prostitute, immediately sparked controversy upon its unveiling at the 1865 Paris Salon. Later recognized as one of the artist’s true masterpieces, Claude Monet spearheaded a public campaign to raise money for the French government to purchase the painting. By February 1890, Monet had raised about 20,000 francs to purchase the great work and announced its donation to the French national museums. As the law prevented the Louvre from exhibiting works until their creators were ten years deceased (Manet died in 1883), 'Olympia' was first shown at the Musée du Luxembourg, then at the Musée de l'Art Contemporary of Paris. By order of Georges Clemenceau, Olympia finally took its place in the Louvre in 1907.
