Cassatt, Mary

Autograph letter signed, 4 pages (7 x 5 1/4 in.; 180 x 135 mm), in French, Mesnil-Baufresne par Fresneaux, Oise, [ca.1904-1905], to the widow of Camille Pissarro; very slight marginal soiling.

Cassatt helps Pissarro's widow. The friendship between Mary Cassatt and Camille Pissarro was a close one, and dated back to the time when they joined with Edgar Degas in the publication project, Le Jour et la Nuit, in 1879. Cassatt promptly developed a liking and deep respect for Pissarro and introduced him to many of her patrons who then purchased his paintings. Over time, Cassatt gained great experience in selling Pissarro's paintings among others. Alas, Pissarro's widow had no expertise in selling fine art. Upon Pissarro's death in 1903, Julie Pissarro was left with half of his paintings and many other works by his contemporaries. In an attempt to help Mme. Pissarro, Cassat writes she has found an "amateur" willing to buy a Degas and two Manets: "Mettons 1800 fr pour les trois. Je crois que c'est cela son chiffre." Cassatt knows this is not the sum the widow Pissarro was hoping for. She suggests putting the paintings in the hands of the dealer, Madame Mayer, but then there would be commissions to negotiate but no doubt she would reach an understanding with her.