GAUGUIN PAUL (1848-1903). - Lot 86

Lot 86
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Estimation :
8000 - 10000 EUR
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Result : 18 200EUR
GAUGUIN PAUL (1848-1903). - Lot 86
GAUGUIN PAUL (1848-1903). L.A.S. "Paul Gauguin", Papeete January 12, 1899, to Daniel de MONFREID; 3 pages in-8 headed Établissements français de l'Océanie, Travaux publics et cadastre. Office of the Head of Service (tiny missing corner on the last page without affecting the text); in green morocco folder. Interesting letter about his last difficult years in Tahiti, and about his painting Nevermore. [This famous painting, now in London at the Courtauld Institute of Art, was sold, through Daniel de Monfreid, for 500 francs in 1898 to the English composer Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934). "I cannot thank you too much for the consignment you have just sent me: this money has arrived in time to enable me to return to my domain. For a month I have not been able to earn more than 15 days a month, so much does my foot suffer. When will I get better? You did well to let Delius have the painting Nevermore: he is paying more for it than Vollard. This Vollard used to buy paintings of me from Brittany from [Émile] Bernard at a higher price than now. Anyhow, it is better to sell cheaply than not at all. Do you remember that you reproached me for having given a title to this painting: don't you think that this title Nevermore is the cause of this purchase. Perhaps! In any case I am very happy that Delius is the owner, since it is not a speculative purchase to resell but to love it, and then another time he will want another one, especially if visitors compliment him on it, or even make him discuss it. You say nothing about my last letter in terms of appreciation; is this a bad impression or is it the haste of your business at the moment? It seems to me that the Crédit Lyonnais charges Chaudet 1% while you pay two; in any case, I win because the Tahitian trade gives me 3%. From now on I believe that my situation is becoming clearer, I have no more debts, a little advance, and some hopes; as soon as my foot leaves me a little peace, I will start working again. Until then I need not touch a brush, I shall do no good, without a spirit of continuity, and great interruptions, besides, when I am in the ordinary conditions and have the drive, I get the job done very quickly. Then at this moment lying on the bed I work in thought and arrived at a certain propitious moment, all that concentrates and the execution is fast. And you my dear Daniel, you are going to spend a whole year, bothered with business, also leave painting a little and suffer from it; write to me as in the past, if not business, at least everything that interests you, occupies you. Paris is not necessary for art, as much as youth seems to suppose; (to keep up to date says Pissarro). Quite dangerous for ½ personalities. - For 50 years gardeners make double dahlias and then one fine day return to single dahlias. Many kind things to friends, and all yours from the heart"...
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