Manet, Edouard

Pair of autograph letters signed ("E. Manet") 3 pages and two pages, in French, en route to Rio de Janeiro on a training vessel and [Paris], December 1848 and [1870s], to his mother and to his friend Émile Bergerat; address panel on verso of third page of 1848 letter, integral blank on undated letter; light browning.

Spanning a lifetime. An interesting pair of letters—one written when Manet was just sixteen years old on a training vessel—the other when he was an established artist and elder statesman. The early letter to his mother describes his voyage to Rio de Janeiro. It was at Manet's father's suggestion that the young Manet sail on a training vessel. After twice failing the examination to join the Navy, the elder Manet relented to his son's desire to pursue an education in art. Manet's career as an artist was nothing short of extraordinary. In his letter from the 1870s, the seasoned professional writes to Émile Bergerat of a catalogue project:  "He can either take or leave, as you see fit." He gives detailed instructions and remarks: "If it's too ugly we'll forget about it and put together an ordinary catalogue."