Edgar Degas Autograph Letter Signed on Mary Cassatt

Description

Degas comments on a sculpture and Mary Cassatt in a letter to a fellow artist

ALS in French, signed “Degas,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 5.25, June 13, 1889. Letter to fellow artist Albert Bartholomé, in full (translated): "I’ve often thought of the pleasure I did not give myself on the day of the Christ’s departure. It would have been possible to follow as far as Dammartin, have breakfast, and take the train to be gently lulled back to sleep on the way to Paris. It would have been necessary to be in front of the Trinité at 8 o’clock and wait for the coach, which would not have been unreasonable. I’m annoyed that I didn’t do it. You say that you will be ready Saturday, so I’ll go and see this on Saturday. If I take the 2:40 train, I’ll be at Crépy at 4:25. I’ve put in a lot of work on the little wax figure. I’ve made a base for it with pieces of linen soaked in a more or less wet plaster. Madame Cassatt continues to do well. The dressing was changed on Monday. Everything is getting better. Give my respects to Monsieur de Fleury and to the inventors, if they’re there." In fine condition.

A fascinating artistic letter, as Degas served as one of Cassatt's chief mentors in Paris. He invited her to exhibit in the third Impressionist exhibition in 1877, and introduced her to pastel and engraving. For her part, Cassatt was instrumental in helping Degas to sell his paintings and promote his reputation in America. Degas was also a close friend and mentor to Bartholomé, convincing him to transition from painting to sculpture as his primary artistic medium.