Pierre-Auguste Renoir Autograph Letter Signed from Les Collettes, Written While Recovering from Pneumonia — with Typed Translation
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), the master Impressionist whose luminous canvases rank among the most beloved in the history of art, writes with urgency and warmth from his estate at Cagnes-sur-Mer. The ALS, on printed "Les Collettes / Cagnes (A.-M.)" letterhead and dated 9 November 1912, reads in full: "Cher ami / J'ai une chambre a votre disposition. venez donc autant que possible aussitot apres votre visite a Paris je me suis paye une pneumonie je n'ai pu partir que plus a huit jours j'ai un tas de choses a vous dire mais j'ecris difficilement nous causerons bien des choses de tous a vous / Renoir." The typed English translation renders this as: "Dear Friend, I have a room for you, so come as soon as possible after your visit to Paris. I have just gotten over pneumonia and was only able to leave a week ago. I have a stack of things to say to you, but I write with difficulty. We will talk about many things, Yours, Renoir."
By November 1912 Renoir was 71, increasingly crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. The candid reference to his pneumonia and the difficulty of writing makes this letter a direct window into his physical struggle during his final years at Les Collettes. Letters from this late Cagnes period are among the most personally revealing Renoir documents to appear at auction.
ALS, one page, black ink on printed "Les Collettes / Cagnes (A.-M.)" letterhead, approximately 5.5 x 8.5 inches, dated 9 November 1912 (IMG_187.jpg); accompanied by typed English translation (IMG_188.jpg). Light toning and horizontal fold; overall very good condition. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.