Signac, Paul

Autograph letter signed ("P. Signac"), 4 pages (6 7/8 x 4 3/8 in.; 176 x 112 mm), in French, [no place, summer 1886], to Camille Pissarro; very slight marginal browning.  Accompanied by: Autograph note signed, 2 pages, in French, St. Tropez, on Signac's personalized stationery, to an unidentified gentleman giving authorization for a study he has written to be published in his correspondent's "Revue"—Printed calling card with autograph notation,"tous mes remerciements."

Signac to Pissarro. An intriguing letter in which Signac sheds light on some of the more piquant personalities in the world of late nineteenth century French art. The artist is preparing an exhibition of his paintings and comments on the trouble he is experiencing with his research. He laments: "J'ai écrit à Durand [Ruel] pour tâcher de revoir mes cadres pour l'exposition. Il y a 8 huit jours de cela et je n'ai pas de réponse! Terreur!!"

Commenting on the discord between Gauguin and Guillaumin, Signac writes in detail: "Guillaumin—(sûr)—et Gauguin—(je crois) n'exposent pas. C'est le grand lâchage; ils veulent nous laisser à nos propres forces—Tant mieux! De leur plein gré ces artistes nient le progrès, et les pas en avant. Ils se mettent eux-mêmes aux rangs des pompiers. C'est triste à dire mais c'est comme cela. Tant pis pour eux . . ."