Renoir, Pierre-Auguste

Autograph letter signed ("Renoir"), 2 pages (8 3/8 x 5 3/8 in.; 212 x 136 mm), Paris, 2 October 1893, to Paul Bérard; vertical and horizontal fold.

Purchased by the present owner from Walter R. Benjamin Autographs

Autograph letter signed ("Renoir"), 2 pages (8 3/8 x 5 3/8 in.; 212 x 136 mm), Paris, 2 October 1893, to Paul Bérard; vertical and horizontal fold.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Renoir to his most devoted patron, Paul Bérard.  Renoir met Bérard, a diplomat and banker in the winter of 1878.  He eventually formed a close friendship not only with Bérard, but with his wife and four children.  He was to spend many summers at his patron's country home at Wargemont, near Dieppe.  While there, the artist painted portraits of the various members of the family and created numerous decorative works for the house.  In this letter, Renoir reports on his return to Paris from his 1893 summer holiday.  He complains of having a cold after only two days in Paris, something which never happens to him in the country.  He already misses the joys of the past summer, including the fine wines and amusing company.  He goes on to report that he is working on landscapes and is content and calm.

A fine letter written by Renoir to Bérard after fifteen years of patronage and friendship.