Édouard Manet

Dr. O. Wertheimer, Paris
Acquired from the above in 1954

Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art & Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Édouard Manet, 1832-1883, 1966-67, no. 187, illustrated in the catalogue
Martigny, Switzerland, Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Manet, 1996, no. 77, illustrated in color in the catalogue
Paris, Musée d'Orsay & Baltimore, Walters Art Gallery, Manet: The Still-Life Paintings, 2000-01, no. 55, illustrated in color in the catalogue

Alain de Leiris, The Drawings of Édouard Manet, Berkeley & Los Angeles, 1969, no. 535, illustrated fig. 397
Denis Rouart & Daniel Wildenstein, Édouard Manet, Catalogue raisonné, vol. II, Lausanne & Paris, 1975, no. 593, illustrated p. 211
Anne Coffin Hanson, Manet and the Modern Tradition, New Haven & London, 1977, illustrated p. 73
Françoise Cachin, Manet, lettres à Isabelle, Méry et autres dames, Geneva, 1985, illustrated pp. 94-95

Executed on cream colored laid paper laid down on board. The lower edge is slightly deckled and bottom edge has been cut. The sheet is a little time darkened and mat staining is visible to extreme top, right and bottom margin. There is very faint staining scattered trhoughout and a horizontal crease running across the center of the sheet. The colors remain rich and lively. Work is in overall very good condition.
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.

This brief missive to an unknown female acquaintance is rare in that it features a charming watercolor of a snail on a leaf, rather than the more typical fruits and flowers. The attention to detail evident in the delicate modeling of the snail shell and the gradations of color in the leaf demonstrates the care and joy Manet had in his interactions with his correspondents, even in this quick note to remind his friend about her shopping.

The present letter translates as follows:

Bellevue

Dear Madame,

Do not forget the little ream of English paper.

In friendship,
E. Manet