Edouard Manet (1832-1883), whose "Olympia" and "Le Dejeuner sur l'herbe" permanently altered the course of Western art, writes an intimate and warmly social note to an unnamed friend. The ALS, undated, reads in full: "J'ai assez perdu a attendre ta, cher ami, j'avais a faire a Batam [?] Lundi et je comptais t'emmener avec moi nous aurions fait une excellente pleine eau. tant de ma journee le jeudi est prise j'aimerais bien mieux que tu viennes me prendre pour dejeuner Vendredi ou Samedi. je te serre la main t. at. E. Manet."
The letter conveys Manet's characteristic sociability: he had hoped to take his friend along on an outdoor excursion — the phrase "excellente pleine eau" suggests boating — missed the connection, and now proposes lunch on Friday or Saturday instead. Manet's correspondence is rare at auction; undated social letters of this warmth are especially sought by Impressionist collectors.
ALS, one page, black ink, approximately 5 x 8 inches, undated . Light soiling and minor toning; paper sound; overall good to very good condition.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.