Mary Cassatt Beautiful 1p ALS! Rare

Mary Cassatt Beautiful 1p ALS! Rare

A 1p autograph letter signed by American Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) as "Mary Cassatt" at lower left. N.d., but context suggests circa October 1895. Written on bifold mourning stationery at Cassatt's address at 10, Rue de Marignan, Paris, France. The inner pages are blank. Expected wear including gentle paper folds and a few isolated scuffs. A tiny closed tear is found along the central horizontal fold of the first page. Else near fine. 4.625" x 7.125." Accompanied by a souvenir 4 franc Rwandan stamp depicting Cassatt's portrait "Young Mother Sewing" (1900). Provenance: Ex-Noel Goldblatt (ca. 1926-2003) of the famous Goldblatt's Department Store, to a prominent Los Angeles, California collector.

The letter is undated, but Cassatt's referring to the recent death of her own mother dates it to circa October 1895. Cassatt expresses her regret at the loss suffered by her acquaintances Monsieur and Madame Blanche, in full:

"10 rue de Marignan

Dear Monsieur Blanche

I have just this moment, on my return to Paris, received the sad notice of your loss.

My own bereavement is so recent in losing my own dear Mother that more than any one I can feel for you now; please accept my deepest sympathy, + with kindest regards to Madame Blanche believe me most sincerely yours

Mary Cassatt."

Cassatt's mother Katherine Kelso Johnston Cassatt (1816-1895) had died on October 20, 1895 in Haute-Normandie, France. It is possible that Cassatt, who mentions just returning to Paris, had been to her country home Château de Beaufresne, located in Le Mesnil-Théribus about 50 miles northwest of Paris. Cassatt frequently stayed there after purchasing and renovating the château in 1894. She lived at 10, Rue de Marignan, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris near the Champs-Élysées, between 1887 and her death in 1926.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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