Description:

LOUIS-MAURICE BOUTET DE MONVEL
(1850-1913) French painter and watercolorist best known for his illustrations for children's books. An uncommon group of three A.Ls.S. each on black-bordered mourning letterhead, [n.p.], January, 1904, in French to art dealer Hector Brame. Hector-Henri-Clement Brame (1831-1899) was an actor-turned-gallerist in Paris; the gallery he founded still exists today as Brame & Lorenceau. The first letter, 1p. 8vo., Pins, Loir-et-Cher, ‘Vendredi' [possibly Jan. 16, 1904], reads, in small part: ‘…I have sent you the price by telegram. The price for my watercolor of Salome is 4,000 FF. When your client would like to have it, he can pay that price. Looking forward to it with pleasure…'. It appears that Boutet de Monvel executed ‘Salome' in 1900, around the same time that many artists and writers became interested in the gospel story. WITH: an A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo. on two cards, [n.p.], Jan. 21, 1904, in part: ‘…My son will be in Paris Saturday with this watercolor at his disposal. I would like to know the name of the person acquiring my watercolor. I like to know where my works are to be found. Please then send me his name and address in Vienna and at the same time designate an hour when my son can find himself [at Monvel's studio on] Rue de Val de Grace to give you the watercolor…'. The following day, Boutet de Monvel again writes to Brame, 4pp. 8vo., [n.p.], Jan. 22, [1904], in part: ‘…I just received your telegram…I will send one of my young nephews to go to my studio on Val de Grace [and] your return the watercolor in question for 3600 FF. This watercolor is framed in an old frame which will need cleaning. I am going to make a very specific recommendation on this subject that you can pass on to the buyer…There are gold flakes…attached only by one corner so that when rolled up they take more shine. He must leave a space between the watercolor and the glass which covers it'. Worthy of further research. Light soiling, else fine. Three pieces.

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May 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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