Impressionism, a historical reconstruction

Correspondence

1874 – 1886

an overview

 

Introduction:
On this page you will find an overview year by year from 1874 – 1886 of the correspondence of the partakers of the ‘impressionist’ expositions and the people related to them, like other artists, art-collectors, art-critics and namely the artdealer Durand-Ruel. I hope this overview will give some view on the mutual relationships. You will find namely the correspondence of Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin, Monet, Morisot, Piette, (Camille) Pissarro and Renoir and also of (Edouard) Manet. But, I hope this will put some extra light on many unknown partakers. I will concentrate on the remarks on other artists and related people, indications of their dwellings, information on exhibitions and views on paintings, for the rest I refer to the complete letters you can find in the sources I used. So, you will not find summaries of the letters.
Note: some notes will be added below the letter by an *; some at the end of the year by an #.
Note: there are seperate pages for the correspondence between 1855ca-1873, 1887-1900, 1901-1927ca. At the bottom of the first mentioned page you will find the used sources.
Note: there is a seperate page on the correspondence of the art-dealer Durand-Ruel with the impressionists. Maybe, this correspondence will be (partly) deleted from the other pages.
Note: many correspondence still has to be added.

 

1874:

1874/01/16,  Camille Pissarro to Dr. Gachet:
‘I am pleased to announce that the sale of our paintings at Drouot was fairly auspicious for a first showing, the hall was full.’ (R116I,p142;R434I,no31;R218)

1874/01/27, Monet to Camille Pissarro, from Le Havre:
Monet congratulates Pissarro with the sell of his paintings, which Renoir already had wrote him. He regretted, that he couldn’t buy back his own painting Maison blue. ‘I also knew from the newspaper L’Événement that the board of directors was doing its job; the announcement of the formation of ‘la société‘ is proof of this.’ (…) ‘I work, but once you’ve stopped working on a marine, it’s the devil afterwards – very difficult; it changes all the time and here the weather varies several times in the same day. And the business, how are they, what do they say at Durand?’ … tell me where we are with ‘la société‘. (R127I,no76;R116I,p142)

1874/02/01,  Camille Pissarro to Duret:
‘The effects of the Drouot sale*… People are very surprised that a canvas of mine can go for as much as 950f’ (R116I,p142;R434I,no32)
Note*: this concerned the Hoschedé sale 1874/01/13 that included 6 paintings of Pissarro including PV37+?158+195.

1874/02/20,  Camille Pissarro to Dr. Gachet:
Pissarro wrote again on the health of his daughter Jeanne* (born 1865/05/18) ‘… she is very weak … Of necessity we follow the treatment you prescribed…, but I don’t see any real change in the patient’s overall state’. (R116I,p143;R434I,no34;R218) Camille had written Dr. Gachet several time concerning her health.
Note*: Jeanne would die 1874/04/06 so just 9 days before the opening of the 1st ‘impressionist’ exposition. Piette also signed the death certificate. Zola and Rouart offer their condolences. (R116I,p143)

1873, last days of March*, Degas to Félix Bracquemond:
‘A ticket from Burty tells me that, he has made out of you, yesterday, a new follower… and that you want a meeting to discuss things. First of all: we open the 15th. So one also has to hurry. At the 6th or the 7th, or even a bit later, but in time, so the catalogue can be delivered to be finished before the opening day.’ Degas suggests a meeting on Thursday and assures ‘you will give us joy’. Adding ‘Manet, stirred up by Fantin and upset by himself, is still straining, but from this site nothing seems definitiv.’ (R439,p58/9)
Note*: Graber dates this letter at the start of April, but as this Thursday must by the 2nd of April (the 9th would be to late) and Degas isn’t talking about tomorrow, it probably was written 30 or 31 of March.

1874/04/01, Monet to Manet, from Argenteuil:
Monet asks for 100fr to pay Mme Aubry. (R127I,no77)

1874/04/02, Manet from Paris to Duret:
‘Here’s the letter I’ve had from Monet. My rent has cleaned me out and I can’t do anything to help him -can you give the 100 francs to the bearer of the picture?’ (R213,p169)

before 1874/04/15, Renoir to Philippe Burty:
‘… I’m not yet finished with this complicated hanging*.’ (R430,p50)
Note*: Renoir was in the hanging committee of the 1st ‘impressionist’ exposition.

1874/05/05,  Camille Pissarro to Duret:
‘Our exhibition is going well. It’s a succes. The critics slate us and accuse us of not studying.’ (R116I,p144;R434I,no36)

1874/05/27 Wednesday, Monet to Manet, from Argenteuil:
Monet pays back the 100fr. The two large marines are with Faure: on the first day I will carry le Déjeuner. (R127I,no78)

1874/06/01,  Camille Pissarro to Duret:
Pissarro writes how hard it is to find buyers, ’the rare man who likes modern painting…’ (R116I,p144;R434V,no.2087)

1874/06/24, Cézanne to Camille Pissarro:
Cézanne apoligised for leaving Paris in such a hurry and not to visit Pissarro in Pontoise before leaving. (R116I,p144;R437,p119/120)

1874/07/16, Auguste de Molin to Camille Pissarro:
Auguste de Molin wrote ‘On receipt of your last letter but one, I wrote at once to Mr. Arosa … he is entirely under the influence of G.* and only acts on his advice…’ (R116I,p145)
Note*: G. stands probably for Paul Gauguin.

1874/07?, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘What do you mean, ‘you’re on the point of fleeing to Belgium?’ (R116I,p145;R436,p114)

1874/08/22, Baudry to Camille Pissarro:
The collector Étienne Baudry wrote Pissarro, promising to help him find buyers for his works. (R116I,p144+CCP306)

1874/09/26, Cézanne to his mother, from Paris:
I have to work all the time. (…) People generally appreciate more a work that is finished, … than it is … no art. (R48,p141)

1874/10/05: Alfred Meyer to Camille Pissarro:
‘I’ve been working for 3 days, consulting documents and drawing up the statutes for the cooperative society we talked about. (…) You will compare it with the little book of statutes of our defunct society and you will get an idea of the organisation that must underlie a serious society if it is not to founder. (…) We will take whatever steps you feel need to be taken to gather up the debris of our ex-association, which is unlikely to come together again for quite some time.’ (R116I,p145/6)
Note: Alfred Meyer started the ‘Union‘ as an alternative for the Société… .

1874/12/11,  Camille Pissarro to Duret from Montfoucault:
‘I’ve received a letter from Baudry here, asking me whom he might address to see my paintings at the rue Berthe. I asked him to write to my friend Guillaumin, whom I have entrusted with my little affairs. I’ve done quite a lot of work here, I’ve been tackling figures and animals. I have several projects for genre paintings…’ (R116I,p146/7;R434I,no38)

1874/12/?, Duret to Camille Pissarro:
‘I urge you to push further and further along the path you’ve been exploring lately, teh association of man and animals in an open-air landscape. That is the modern path, and it is there that you will find the best use for your distinctive qualities.’ (R116I,p147)

1874/12/14, Duret to Camille Pissarro:
‘As for the public and the tide of collectors, dilettantes and critics, it’s always the same old love of mediocrity, banality, dexterity. You have to put up with human stupidity and make do with the approval and clientele of a small, restricted nucleus. I know it’s annoying when the question arises of the need to balance one’s budget.’ (R116I,p147)

 

1875:

1875,letters of Berthe Morisot to her sister Edma:
‘… it is the prettiest place for painting, …, but it is difficult. People come and go on the jetty, and it is impossible to catch them. It is the same with the boats. There is extraordinary life and movement, but how is one to render it? … I shall have to make a watercolour of it, for I shall never have the courage to set up my easel to do it in oil. … I set out with my sack and portfolio, determined to make a watercolour on the spot, but when we got there I found the wind was frightful, … these people who live on the water do not even see it. That has made me give up whatever illusions I had about the possibility of success in England.’ (…) ‘… we are only humble folk, too insignificant to mingle with this fashionable society. … the little I have seen of it, seems to be as dull as it is wealthy. … I am horribly depressed tonight, tired, on edge, out of sorts, having once more the proof that the joys of motherhood are not meant for me. … My work is going badly, … I don’t know where to start. I made an attempt in a field, but the moment I had set up my easel more than 50 boys and girls were swarming about me, shouting and gesticulating. … On a boat one has another kind of difficulty. Everything sways, there is an infermal lapping of water; one has the sun and the wind to cope with, the boats change position every minute, etc… I always forget to tell you that Eugène has a great feeling for you; …’ (R368,p105-107)

1875?, Renoir to Duret:
Fragments from several undated letters, maybe written in 1875 (R430,p54)
‘Everybody is letting me down for my rent. I’m extremely annoyed.’
‘I am in trouble this morning for 40 francs, which I don’t have. Do you have them or a part?’
‘I am completely broke.’
‘Can you give me a little money…’

1875/01/03,  Camille Pissarro at Montfoucault:
Pissarro drew up a will in which Cézanne, Guillaumin and Piette are named as executors. (R116I,p147;R434I,no39)

1875?/01/23, Monet to Manet, from Argenteuil:
Monet asks to lend him at least 50fr. His wife will come by tomorrow and he hopes to sell a work to the dentist Verdier. (R127I,no79)

1875/03/24ca, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘You were wise, Pissarro, to have held aloof from these struggles which tear one’s heart to pieces and empty one’s purse – for the benefit of the auctioneers at the Hôtel Drouot*.’ (R116I,p148;R436,p119)
Note*: 1875/03/24 Renoir, Monet, Morisot and Sisley had auctioned  73 of their works at Hôtel Drouot. They received very low prices.

1875/05/07, Monet to ? from Argenteuil:
Have you done the business with M. Hoschedé concerning the sale of the white painting? It is possible that the law summons me to pay 500 francs. (R127I,no80)

1875/06/02, R. Pissarro from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
Probably the mother of Camille expresses her sympathy to Dr. Gachet for the loss of his wife and mother of his children at the age of 32. (R218)

1875/06/28, Monday, Monet to Manet from Argenteuil:
Monet asks Manet to send 20fr. ‘I don’t have credit anymore with the the butcher and the baker.’ (R127I,no81)

1875/07/08, Monet to Manet from Argenteuil:
Monet asks Manet for ’the small amount’ of 60fr. He will come by tomorrow. (R127I,no82)

1875?, Monet to Manet:
‘What I told you yesterday is serieus, my paint box will be closed for a long time from now on… answer me yes or no’ (R127I,no83)

1875? summer, Wednesday, Edouard Manet to Duret:
‘I went to see Monet yesterday and found him in despair and absolutely broke. He asked me to find someone who would take between ten and twenty pictures of their choice for 100 francs apiece. Shall we do the deal ourselves, putting up 500 francs each?’ (R213,p175)

1875? summer, Friday, Edouard Manet to his brother Eugène:
‘I’ve seen Monet recently and he’s absolutely broke; he wants to get hold of a 1000-franc bill and for that he’s offering 10 pictures of one’s choice. If you have 500 francs at your disposal we could do the deal together… I know that with 5 paintings that I could dispose of for a profit of at least 100 francs…’ R213,p175)

1875/10/01,  Camille Pissarro to Duret:
‘I’m in a real financial quandary, as I am every year around this time. I’d be very grateful if you would send me the remainder of what you owe me – it’s my only source of income while waiting to sell a painting when the collectors return to Paris.’ (R116I,p148;R434I,no42)

1875/10/10, Monet to Burty from Argenteuil:
‘He is busy painting one of his famous stage costumes.’ (R127I,no84)

 

1876:

1876??, Renoir to Victor Chocquet:
Renoir cancelled a country excursion. ‘I suddenly get a portrait of a girl to do, someone leaving in 10 days.’ (R430,p57)

1876, Monet from Argenteuil to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks help concerning 3 pictures ’that I had at Nittis and that I was told belonged to M. Portier are with Heiman, Nittis’s son-in-law, who wants to sell them’. (R435I,p219=no1; R127I,no85)

1876/02/04, Monet to Chocquet from Argenteuil:
‘I have asked Cézanne to promise that he’d come tomorrow Saterday with you for lunch. … I am looking forward to make your acquintance. (…) 2, Boulevard St.-Denis, opposite the station, the red house with the green window shutters.’ (R127I,no86)

1876/02/05, Renoir and Rouart to Caillebotte (letter 1), from Paris:
It seemed right to us to renew the common attempt for a private exposition, for this case we have consulted M. Durand-Ruel, who will lend us two rooms including the largest one. We would be very glad to see you associate with us in this new attempt.
Fees: 120fr per exhibitor, to be paid till 23 February to M. Durand-Ruel. Opening: next 20th of March. Duration: one month. For further information you can address to M. Durand-Ruel. We urge you to answer in return to one of us if you want to be one of us. (R102,p273)

1876/02/07,  Camille Pissarro to Duret:
‘I haven’t managed to make enough this month to pay my rent in Paris*… If you could possibly give me the 150 francs on the picture you bought from me… Unfortunately, I’m not selling enough to live on.’ (R116I,p149;R434I,no44)
Note*: Pissarro rented a pied-à-terre in 21, rue Berthe from July 1873 till the Autumn of 1876 (R116II,p54).

1876, April,  Camille Pissarro to Murer:
Pissarro wrote on the 2nd ‘impressionist’ exposition ‘… a group of artists have come together to exhibit their work because the juries were systematically preventing them from showing their pictures to art-lovers and to the public. As a matter of principle, we didn’t want a school: we like Delacroix, Courbet, Daumier and all those who have guts, and (we love) nature, the open air, the different impressions we feel, all the things we are concerned with.’ (R116I,p150/1;R434I,no615)

1876/04/22 (shortly after), Monet to Gustave Manet:
Notice (signed 22 April in Paris) that he received 1.500fr from Gustave Manet for 15 paintings; 2 will be given today (Roseaux=!?CR327 + Arbres en fleurs), 2 the 1st of May (a snow effect and a flood=?CR251) and 11 he can choose from the stock before the end of June.
In the according letter Monet revokes the notice, when he pays back the loan of 1.500fr in a direct way. (R127I,no87)
Note: Gustave Manet (probably) once owned CR212 +251 +273 +327 (R22IV,p1051). So, probably the deal for 15 paintings never went on or at least just partly.

1876/05/07, Monet to Gustave Manet from Argenteuil:
Monet writes that concerning La Japonaise (=CR387) ‘I promised to keep it a secret’. If you already told Dubois, ask him to be silent. (R127I,no88)
Note: La Japonaise was sold at an auction at Hôtel Drouot 1876/04/14 for 2.000fr (R22,no387)

1876/05/07, Monet to de Bellio (2, Boulevard St.-Denis, Argenteuil):
‘I would like to show you my latest paintings (views on Paris).’ Monet asks de Bellio to align with ‘our friend Collot’. (R127I,no89)
Note: Collot once owned CR48 (bought 1873/04) and ?CR466 (bought 1878/06/02).

1876?, Monet to de Bellio from Argenteuil:
‘Since your visit I worked a lot. I have a serie of interesting new works.’ Monet invites him to come (if possible with Collot). He also mentions that he is in need of money and that he ows de Bellio a painting. (R127I,no90)

1876/07/02, Monet to Charpentier from Argenteuil:
Monet refers to his interest in ‘une locomotive dans la neige’. ‘The person who owns it, offers me an exchange.’ (R127I,no91)
Note: It is most likely that Monet referred to CR356. But, the only provenance known, is that it was bought 1876/11 by Dr. de Bellio. Another possibility CR213 probably doesn’t represent a snowy landscape.

1876/07/02, Cézanne to Camille Pissarro:
‘If I may say so, your letter is tinged with sadness. The painting business is at a satndstill, I rather fear that this has cast a shadow over your morale, but I’m convinced it’s only momentary.’ (R116I,p151;R437,p126)

1876, July, Cézanne to Camille Pissarro:
Cézanne wrote about L’Union, the co-operative society initiated by Alfred Meyer of which they were both member. ‘I hope the exhibition of our cooperative will be a flop if we have to exhibit with Monet. … Meyer, who doesn’t have in hand the elements needed to succeed with the members of the cooperative, seems to me to be becoming a nasty little squirt who, in overtaking the Impressionist exhibition, is trying to do it harm. He could tire public opinion and cause confusion. For one thing, too many successive exhibitions strike me as a bad thing; for another, people who may think they are going to see the Impressionists will only see members of the cooperative. A cooling-off. But Meyer must be very set on harming Monet. … By Monet I mean the Impressionists.’ (R116I,p151;R437,p127/8)

1876/07/12, Monet to Charpentier from Argenteuil:
Monet hopes for his visit (together with his wife) and to show them some studies. ‘Since this morning I owe La locomotive’ (=CR356). (R127I,no92)

1876, Thursday Monet to Zola from Argenteuil:
I received your letter and hope to meet you tomorrow. I am short at cash. It would help me if Charpentier buys a painting of me. (R127I,no93)

1876/07?, Saturday Monet to de Bellio from Argenteuil:
‘I didn’t dare to tell you yesterday… but I am pennyless.’ Monet offers two studies for 150fr, in line with your Pont. (R127I,no94)
Note: It is not clear which ‘Pont’ is meant. Most likely is CR367, but this one was bought 1876/12. Maybe the two studies refer to CR425 +430.

1876/07/25, Monet to de Bellio from Argenteuil:
Monet invites de Bellio to come and choose his two studies. ‘The creditors are proving to be unreasonable, unless some wealthy art-lovers suddenly show up, we’re going to be kicked out of our nice little house.’ (R127I,no95)

1876, July, Tuesday, Edouard Manet from Rottembourg Montgeron to Eva Gonzalès:
‘I’ve started lots of things that I probably won’t be able to finish. – a portrait of the master of the house and his daughter, but I can never get him to sit for it, he’s always in Paris. A portrait of Carolus Duran who is our neighbour in the country.’ (R213,p180)
Note*: Manet stayed at the estate of Ernest Hoschedé. He refers to the portrait of Ernest and his daughter (RW246) and of Carolus Duran (RW245).

1876/07/23, Guillaumin to Camille Pissarro:
‘Why are you always doubting yourself, you should rid yourself of this affliction. I know very well that times are hard… The utmost anarchy reigns in the opposite camp, and the time is nigh when our enemies will be overthrown.’ (R116I,p151)

1876/08/12, Guillaumin from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
Guillaumin writes he has problems with an old creditor and he still lacks 50fr. ‘could you advance it to me?’, he promised to pay it back 2 or 3 times at the end of the year. (R218,G4)

1876/09, Eugène Manet to Berthe Morisot:
Eugène speaks of a ‘gang of painters in dire straits’, including Pissarro. ‘The dealers are glutted… Let’s hope the buyers will return.’ (R116I,p151)

1876/09/02, Guillaumin from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
Guillaumin confides his problems with Murer, which started since the feast of his sister Melle Marie and who didn’t come to his aid: ‘So I won’t be going to see him for some time…’ He also confided ‘I realised in time that I was seeing Melle* with to much pleasure, that I was not far from being torn apart… you understand it is better being firmly resolved to observe complete celibacy…’ (R218,G5)
Note*: maybe Miss Marie Meunier, the sister of Murer or maybe a Miss W.
Before or afterwards Guillaumin writes to Murer:
‘I return the gift you have send me; you have to know that I can’t except it.’ (R218,G9)

1876/10/05, Thursday,  Cézanne to Dr. Gachet:
Cézanne apologizes that he can’t come to the invitation ‘of this nice reunion’. ‘Guillaumin who you will see this evening, and whom I did meet yesterday Wednessday at Issy, can tell you about my condition.’ (R218)

1876, Autumn, Camille Pissarro to Murer:
‘Last night I talked to you about a painting I have at Pontoise representing a seated … robust peasant woman … studied at length (CCP480) … I should be only too happy to sell it to you, being in urgent need … of money to send to Pontoise. (…) I’m throwing all my ballast overboard, for these studies were dear to me.’ (R116I,p152+CCP480;R434,no46)

1876, Autumn?, Camille Pissarro from 18bis, Rue de l’Ermitage to Murer:
Pissarro informed Murer his pictures were now stored at his mother’s appartement 42, rue de Paradis. Murer wanted to exhibit some in his pastry shop. Pissarro wrote ‘I think you’d be better-off showing everything, even the big paintings… if something is missing needed to make up the 10 paintings, others can be brought along. (…) I reserve the right to exhibit any paintings that might be sold.’ (R116I,p152+156;R434I,no47)

1876/11/01, de Bellio to Monet from Paris:
Please keep La Locomotive, but don’t give it to another person. (R127I,doc.29)

1876/11, Monet to de Bellio from Montgeron (see):
A bit cryptic letter in which he also mentions that the mother-in-law of M. de Rasty possibly would buy La Femme à ombrelle. Monet ends with: P.s. I keep the Locomotive for you (=CR356). (R127I,no96)
Note: Comte de Rasty once owned CR290 +298 +301 +325 +387 (R22IV,p1053). This doesn’t included a woman with an umbrella. But, his mother-in-law had of course another last name, which is unknown to me. De Bellio would shortly afterwards (1876/11/17) buy CR381, depicting Camille with an umbrella.

1876/11/26, Caillebotte (letter 2) to Camille Pissarro:
It goes without saying that everything I have of you is always and entirely at your disposal. … your painting will be sent with mine. You can count on me. (…) I would like to visit you in Pontoise, Thursday or Friday for example. I will take the train of 11.25h. (R102,p273)

1876/12/04, Monet to Gustave Manet from Montgeron (see):
‘I haven’t forgotten you…’ Monet mentions that he hadn’t been able yet to pay back the loan. He also mentions that M. Jacob has the obligation to transfer from his store two paintings (so Monet has some money?). ‘Best regards to Dubois.’ (R127I,no97)

end of 1876??, Guillaumin from Ile St.-Louis in France to Dr. Gachet:
Guillaumin again and again hoped for a bargain to be able to pay back Dr. Gachet, but ‘I seem to be counting too much on Providence’. He suggested to pay it of in small portions of 15fr. (R218,G7)

1876 or 1877, Monet to (Edouard?) Manet (from Argenteuil):
Returning home I found my wife very ill. … friends are rare, when you are in distress. (…) I have search all day for a creditor, but without success. (…) Please try to help me… (R127I,no98)

1876 or 1877, Saturday evening Monet to Dr. de Bellio from 5, Bd St.-Denis, Argenteuil:
Monet writes that his wife suffers from ulcerations of the endometrium, that maybe an operation is necessary and asks for his opinion. ‘I take the liberty to visit you tomorrow.’ (R127I,no99)

1877:

1877?, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘I received your painful letter yesterday, … I .. see if I can scrape a few pennies together in Paris… It’s not possible that your work be seized by creditors…’ (R116I,p153;R436,p132/3)

1877?, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘I think that with your skill you should succeed admirably in making decorated pottery – rapid, lively, like your drawings with highlights or your watercolours.’ (R116I,p152;R436,p133)

1877??, Renoir to Georges Charpentier:
Renoir sent Charpentier numerous pleas for money. ‘I will ask you … for the sum of 300 francs… it is the last time… be kind enough to thank Mme. Charpentier very much on behalf of her most devoted artist, and tell her that I will never forget that if one day I finally make it, I will owe it to her…’ (R430,p64)

1877/01?/07, Sunday Monet to ?:
The procedures to obtain a permission to paint at the Saint-Lazare station are not yet successful, but they have assured me that M. Coindant can make it easy… I will come by tomorrow Monday at Tortoni. (R127I,no100)

1877/01/17, Monet to Charpentier from Paris:
I have just settled at 17, Rue Moncey. You are welcome to come by tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. (R127I,no101)

1877/01/24, Caillebotte (letter 3) to Camille Pissarro:
‘I take your large painting (CR123=CCP207) at the price you asked. Unfortunately I can’t give nothing for the small one… Do you want me to take it in exchange of the one of Paris. … We are very annoyed regarding our exposition. The location at Durand-Ruel is rented entirely for a year… But we do not despair; already several combinations offer opportunities. The exposition wíll take place…’ (R102,p273;R116I,p153+CCP207)

1877?, Caillebotte (letter 4) to Duret:
‘I’ll be at home tomorrow Monday at 5 o’clock… but I will depart tomorrow evening for London…’ (R102,p273)

1877/02?, Caillebotte (letter 5) to Camille Pissarro:
Would you come next Monday for dinner at my home? I’ve been in  London and I want to tell you certain things concerning a possible exposition. You will encounter at my home Degas, Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Manet. I count absolutely on you.’ (R102,p273;R116I,p153/4)

1877/?, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘I was pleased to learn that M. Caillebotte bought some paintings from you…’ (R116I,p153;R436,p135)

1877/02/09, Monet to Charpentier:
I’m out of money… Please excuse Mme Charpentier for my inappropriate behaviour last Friday. (R127I,no102)

1877?/02/19, Renoir to Murer:
Concerning the portrait of his sister Marie. (R218,no49)

1877/02/25, Renoir to Murer:
Renoir cancelled his attention ’tomorrow’ to the next dinner at Murer on Wednessday the 26th. He mentioned the death of Margot (1877/02/23 or 24) a model of Renoir (R218,no50, see also no.52). Renoir often wrote letters to cancel these dinners, see no.51, 55/52, 56/53. Several times this was because he visited his mother in Louveciennes.

1877/02/24, Guillaumin from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
‘… We all count on our next exhibition#. … Which will take place the 1st of April … the assumed location will be at the site of the old Opera in a specially build baraque, but that’s all I can tell you. … the expenses … will be done be 2 or 3 capitalitst from the gang. … It will be payed back by the entrance fees, and when there is a loss, this will be satisfied by the exhibitors.’ He makes clear that the exposition is ‘manufactured’ at Renoir‘s, 35, rue St.-George. ‘Cézanne always works at him and a lot. (…) You know that the exposition of the Société l’Union is open at the Grand Hôtel. We were supposed to be present, Pissarro, Cézanne and I; at that last moment we have given our resignation’  (R218,G6; R430,p74)

(Spring) 1877, Renoir and Caillebotte (letter 6) to Berthe Morisot:
Madame, We hury to announce you that we are going to rent an appartement, 6 rue de Lepelletier, for our exposition#. We are pleased to think that you would well like to take part as normal. We will keep you informed on everything that will be down. In any case, we will make you part of the reunion we will hold Monday at 5 o’clock at M. Legrand, 22bis rue Lafitte. Yours faithfully, Madame, be assured of our deepest respect.’ (R102,p273)

1877/03/06, Monday Monet to Dr. de Bellio:
When M. Viette is seriously interested, please come tomorrow with him. I have to pay a large sum tomorrow. When you pay Chemin de fer (=CR442) in advance (apart from the 200fr I already received) that would help alot. (R127I,no103)

1877/03, Monet to Duret:
Monet asks Duret to lent Marine à St.-Adresse (=CR94) for the coming exposition (=3IE). (R127I,no104)

1877/03/19, Edouard Manet to Albert Wolff:
My friends Messrs Monet, Sisley, Renoir and Mme Berthe Morisot are going to hold an exhibition# and sale at the Salle Drouot. One of these gentlemen will bring you a catalogue and invitation, and has asked me for this letter of introduction. You may not care for this kind of painting yet, but some day you will. Meanwhile it would be nice of you to say something about it in Le Figaro.’ (R213,p181)

1877/03/25, Guillaumin to Dr. Gachet:
‘The exposition# is the 5th of April, each one takes a part of 350fr as a guarantee. The offices reste with Renoir, who is at the head together with Caillebotte.’ (R218,G8)

1877/03/26, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘It’s Monday, then, that we shall go to our salons*. (…) I fear it will be rather difficult to have anything other than dark corners; the nice spots will be taken by Renoir and Monet. … I’d be in favour of giving pride of place to works of capital importance by Renoir, Monet and Pissarro. But I wouldn’t want all the nice spots going to Renoir and Monet: if they put all their works there, they should also put some in the darker rooms; that way, there will be a place in the sun for everyone.’ (R116I,p154;R436,p137)
Note*: meaning the 3rd ‘impressionist’ exposition in which Piette did join for the first time.

1877, end of March, Monet to Zola:
Thursday we will meet at Café Riche. We will see you Wednessday at the opening#. (R127I,no105)

1877/04/21, Rivière to the women in L’Impressionniste, no.3:
‘You attended, Madame, the exhibition of the Impressionists#… you saw there portraits of women, I am too gallant to insiuate that they are flattering… and you would like to have in your own home a ravishing portrait in which the charm that floods your dear person would be found. But you have a husband… who may be a Republican, becomes enraged at a revolutionary* who sows discord in the field of art…’ (R430,p74+78; R435II,322)
Note*: Rivière is referring to Renoir.

1877/05/25,  Monet to Dr. de Bellio:
Monet suggests to postpone their meeting tomorrow at the Rue Moncey to next Sunday, because he wasn’t able to work much due to the rain. (R127I,no106)

after 1877/05/28, Piette to Camille Pissarro:
‘It pained me to see in your letter about your run of ill-luck, particularly that of your auction at Drouot*. If Drouot chimes in -if … the undecided public also becomes indifferent to auctions of paintings- all that will remain for us is to head for the open sea.’ (R116I,p155;R436,p141)
Note*: Pissarro had auctioned works at Hôtel Drouot; Piette himself had done so several times, including 1877/03/24.

1877/06, Monet to de Bellio:
‘I am as unhappy as could be, they are going to sell up my possessions… with 500 francs, I could save the situation. I have about 25 canvasses at my place and at M. S’s. I will sell them to you for this price. By buying them, you will save me.’ (R368,p239;R127I,no107)
Note: June 1877 de Bellio bought 10 canvasses for 1.000fr and paid 500fr in advance.

1877/06,  Monet to Zola from 17, Rue Moncey Paris:
When I don’t pay 600fr tomorrow Tuesday evening we will be put out of our house and our belongings will be sold. He asks Zola to lend 200fr. (R127I,no108)

1877/09/30, Dr. Gachet from Auvers-sur-Oise to Murer:
Paul Gachet presents himself as artist painter and art columnist. ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to say again the pleasure it has been to meet you…’ Gachet refers to the ‘Rosette d’Officier de la Légion d’Honneur‘ that will be given to Murer. (R218)

1877/10/08, Murer from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
‘And now let me observe, with a certain pleasure, and our friend Guillaumin, that you are one of the rarest persons, in times of difficulties or ambarrasments, on which one can always count upon. … I render to you 2 canvases of Pissarro… I have seen Sisley, he asked me to tell you to see his paintings at Legrand and to visit him. (…) Reassure yourself in case of Paul and my pack; the devastation the last time wrought on your home obliges me to leave them at home from now on; … don’t forget you have Boulevard Voltaire…’ (R218)
Note: In another undated letter to Murer from Sisley (7, avenue de Bellevue at Sèvres (Seine-et-Oise), he regrets he can’t attend his invitation and neither can’t except his proposition, hoping to make a more beneficial deal. He asks Murer to pass unto Dr. Gachet that he can see his paintings at Legrand. (R218,S4)

1877/10/22, Murer from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
‘Pissarro has left Saterday to search canvases of which you can chose one for your brother… At his departure, he asked me 50fr which is the price for the painting … he couldn’t return to Pontoise, without money for the furnishers. … I took from him a painting for this price. … I bravely discussed the painting that Pissarro owes you… It is … a bank of a water with boats and some houses in the background. … It’s a work of which he is dissatisfied, wanting it to distroy… Leave it with me for some time… I want to show you my lastest Sisley, further on an extraordinairy drawing of master Cézanne and another of Delacroix.’ (R218)

1877/10/24, Wednessday, Dr Gachet to Murer:
Dr Gachet complained about a painting that Pissarro was supposed to have deliverd to him for over a year now. ‘Pissarro told Cézanne: The doctor needn’t worry about my painting. I’ll give it to him, but I can’t do it now because of my wife. …… and I don’t ever want to hear about this Jewishness again.’ (R116I,p156; R218)

1877/10/25, Thursday Monet to Chocquet from 17, Rue Moncey Paris:
Monet invites Chocquet to come tomorrow afternoon to look at 2 or 3 new canvasses. I would be great if de Bellio also came along. (R127I,no109)

1877/11/05, Murer from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
‘Thursday one o’clock the drawing of the lottery will be revealed.’ Murer invites Gachet for the lunch, where Sisley, Pissarro and Guillaumin also will be present. He also wants to show him,  and Mr. Laurant-Richard, some magnificant Sisley’s. (R218)

before 1877/11/08, Murer to Camille Pissarro:
Murer announced the sending of 4 canvasses and announced to send an extra 2 small canvasses tomorrow. He suggested to put ‘cheap frames round them so that they’re presentable.’ The works were meant for a lottery. (R116I,p156)

1877/10/13, Camille Pissarro from 18bis, rue de l’Ermitage Pontoise to Murer:
Pissarro informed that most of the ‘lottery tickets’ were sold by his relatives, namely Louis Estruc and Jules Cardoze. (R116I,p156;R434I,no49)

1877/12/18, Tuesday, Monet to Murer:
He hoped to see Murer tomorrow at 17, rue Moncey ‘maybe you will find something after your taste’ (R218,M1; R127I,no110)
In another undated letter Monet announced his visit the next day. (R218,M6)

1877/12/20, Monet to Murer:
‘Receipt of M. Murer of the sum of 200fr, price for 4 canvasses of 10 or 15.’ (R218,M5; R127I,no111)

1877/12/23, Père Martin to Camille Pissarro:
Père Martin asks the support of Pissarro for an auction organised by M. Dollfus on behalf of the poor in the 6th arroundissement. (R116I,p156)

1877/12/24, Monet to de Bellio from 17, Rue Moncey Paris:
Monet excuses that he didn’t send the last painting that de Bellio had bought. Monet wanted to retouch some parts, but hadn’t found time to do so. (R127I,no112)

1877/12/28, Friday Monet to de Bellio (from 17, Rue Moncey Paris):
I can’t be present tomorrow, but if you want you can see my painting you can go to Caillebotte 15.30h precise, 77, Rue Miromesnil. (R127I,no113)

Note#: the 3rd ‘impressionist’ exposition.

 

1878:

1878/?, Wednessday, Camille Pissarro from Paris to Murer:
‘I don’t know if I can come this evening, I will do my best, anyway, so come tomorrow to see the paintings that I have brought with me.’ (R218XIX)

1878/?, Wednessday, Camille Pissarro from Pontoise to Murer:
‘I regret I can’t profit from the occasion to see my friend Cézanne.’ (R218XX)

1878/01/02, Monet to Duret from 17, Rue Moncey Paris:
Monet asks Duret to take him along to M. Baudry coming Friday. (R127I,no114)

1878/01/05, billet de Manet à Monet from 49, Rue St.-Pétersbourg in Paris:
The 15th of March I will pay Monet 1.000fr. (R127I,doc.30)

1878/01/08,  Monet to Murer:
‘…we have to move the 15th without knowing where to go… can I come to see you? … My best greetings to Mademoiselle your sister…’ (R218,M7; R127I,no115)

1878/01/11, Friday Monet to Chocquet from 17, Rue Moncey Paris:
Monet asks Chocquet to come tomorrow. He offers studies for 50 or even 40fr. (R127I,no116)
Note: The 16th Chocquet would buy a study for 50fr.

1878/01/15, Tuesday Monet to de Bellio (from 17, Rue Moncey Paris):
Within two days we will have to leave Argentueil. Since we last met, I managed to gain 1.200fr, but I need another 300. Could you in advance send me another 200fr? It is a last request I ask. Please send me your answer at the Rue Moncey. (R127I,no117)

1878/01/18, Friday evening Monet to Murer:
I will come and visit you tomorrow afternoon. I have a special request. (R127I,no118)

1878/01/20, Sunday morning Monet to Murer:
Monet asks for 100fr to be able to pay the removal firm. (R127I,no119)

1878/01/26, Monet to Murer:
If you have another proposition, besides the painting I promised to Caillebotte, please visit me at the Rue Moncey. I haven’t got a penny and my wife has to give birth any moment#. (R127I,no120)

1878/02/09, Saturday,  Monet from 17, rue Moncey to Dr. Gachet:
‘… we don’t have a penny, and we lack several primairy nessicities. … Would you send me again 100fr and soon visit me in Paris, so I can pay you with a picture…’ (R218,M2;R127I,no121)

1878/02/15,  Monet to Dr. Gachet:
‘I received your letter and also your sending of 50 francs. … Every Friday, you can surely find me in my studio 17, rue Moncey. Also you can meet me the other days, 26, rue d’Edimbourg, at our home; it is close to the rue de Rome.’ (R218,M3R127I,no122)
In another undated letter Monet asked again for 100fr to pay the remover. (R218,M4)

1878/02/15, Sisley from Sèvres to Murer:
Sisley wrote about a painting Murer took from the art-dealer Legrand. ‘This painting is much more important than the one I wanted to give you, to repay the advance payment of 100fr that you have given me. It was agreed for two canvanses of 8.’ (R218,S2)

1878/02/27, Wednessday,  Monet to Dr. Gachet?:
‘Don’t forget that we have appointed to meet, the day after tomorrow, Friday, 8 o’clock, point Ste Eustache, at least when it doesn’t rain to much.’ (R218,M9;R127I,no123)

1878/03/10,  Monet to Manet:
I acknowledge to have received 1.000fr. to be repaid on the 31th. (R127I,no124)

1878/03/12, Tuesday Monet to de Bellio (from 17, Rue Moncey Paris):
Monet tried to meet him yesterday evening without success. ‘I am extremely poor.’ (R127I,no125)

1877 -1879ca,  Monet to de Bellio :
I offer you 3 paintings for 200fr, even 150fr, including Le Dégel. (R127I,no126)

1878/03/30,  Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Ernest May:
My wife is about to give birth to our second child, by I don’t have any money to pay for the necessarry care. Could you give me 200 or 300 or even 100fr in advance? (R127I,no127)

1878/04/03, Wednessday Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Ernest May:
Monet suggests to propone the appointment for Friday to next Tuesday or Wednessday at the Rue Moncey. (R127I,no128)

1878/04/07, Sunday Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Zola:
We don’t have a penny in the house… and my wife has given birth# and is now in poor health. Can you lent me 2 or 3 Louis? I’ll pay you back within 15 days.  (R127I,no129)

1878/04/11, Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Murer:
‘… in my situation, one doesn’t do what one wants. (…) my wife gave birth to a beautiful son#‘. Monet explains he now has to look after his son who is ill, which makes it impossible to paint. (R218,M10;R127I,no130)

1878/04/12, Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Ernest May:
Could you come next Sunday to look at some paintings? (R127I,no131)

1878/Spring, Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Ernest May:
I have send two paintings, the third I will send tomorrow. You can choose the fourth next Sunday. (R127I,no132)

1878/05/16, Monet to de Bellio:
Monet still owes a Louis of de Bellio and asks it back. (R127I,no133)

1877 or first half 1878, Monet to Duret:
The Courbet and the Morisot painting in the collection of Hoschedé is available for around 4.000fr. (R127I,no134)

1878/06/18, Monet to Georges Petit:
Can you deliver the painting you have bought back for me at the Hoschedé auction (=HD1878/06/05+06)? (R127I,no135)

1878/06/27, Murer to Dr. Gachet:
Murer invites Gachet for a lunch ‘under an arbour’ and than wants to show him a new picture of Renoir, quite nice as Pissarro said. (R218)

1878/07/31, de Bellio to Monet from Paris:
Don’t forget to send me the painting of Collot. (R127I,doc.31)

1878/09/01, Monet from Vétheuil to Murer:
Sorry, I didn’t give a sign of life for a long time. I have moved to Vétheuil, a delightful place. Please come by. (R127I,no136)

1878/09/06, Monet to Murer:
Monet apologises that Murer still has to wait for his paintings, for which he had paid 400fr in advance. Murer had send him a harsh letter. (R127I,no137)

1878/09/16, Monet to Georges Petit from Vétheuil:
Monet mentions his financial difficulties and asks for a meeting. (R127I,no138)

1878/09/23, Monet to de Bellio from Vétheuil:
Camille is sick for two days and has a delirium. (R127I,no139)

1878/09/23, Ernest Hoschedé to his mother from Vétheuil:
I feel very sorry for Monet, who has left after lunch to paint, because it’s pouring with rain. (R127I,doc.32)

1878/09/26, Monet to de Bellio from Vétheuil:
Camille is very week, the medicines didn’t have the expected effect. Could you come and visit (and take the train in the direction of Mantes)? (R127I,no140)

1878, September or October, Edouard Manet to Duret in England:
‘I met several Impressionists yesterday and your great expectations have filled them with hope which they can certainly do with, because the press is still undecided. Monet arrived yesterday with many excellent canvases…’ (R213,p182)

1878/10/24, Sisley from Sèvres to Murer:
Sisley announces he doesn’t sign the paper Murer included in his letter, because they seem to obtain terms he hasn’t seen yet. (R218,S3)
In another undated letter he declines a meeting because he is ill. (R218,S5)

1878/10/27, Murer from Paris to Dr. Gachet:
Murer wrote a short letter on this Sunday in which he was very busy. (R218)

1878/11/28, Monet to Murer:
You have misjudged me and mistreated me. I still owe you the 4 paintings, but it takes some extra more time, because, as you know, my wife is very ill. (R127I,no141)

1878/12/09, Monet to Charpentier from 26, rue d’Edimbourg, Paris:
I am since 10 days in Paris, but I don’t have any money to return to my sick wife in Vétheuil. Could you lend me 5 or 10 louis? (R127I,no142)

1878/12/10, Monet from 26, rue d’Edimbourg to Ernest May:
I still owe you a painting and a study. I haven’t been in Paris for a long time. Could you come by tomorrow? (R127I,no143)

1878/12/11, Wednesday Monet  to Murer from 26, rue d’Edimbourg, Paris:
I received your letter yesterday. I except your proposal. Could you come tomorrow morning to choose a painting? I will leave at 15h for Vétheuil. (R127I,no144)

1878/12/13, Monet to Charpentier from 26, rue d’Edimbourg, Paris:
I am now 15 days in Paris. I came to your house, but you wasn’t there. I hoped for some arrangement. I send you a painting for 150fr or 100fr if you find it too expensive. When you don’t like it, you can send it back to Vétheuil. I received bad news from home and have to return as soon as possible. (R127I,no145)

1878 or 1879, Monet to de Bellio:
Could you send me some money, cause I don’t see how we could live this Monday. (R127I,no146)

1878/12/16,  Monet from Vétheuil to Murer:
A letter about encounters with Murer and Dr. Gachet and about them choosen pictures from Monet. He also writes ‘… at these conditions, I’d need it for sure, to re-sign myself to starvation…’ (R218,M11;R127I,no147)

1878/12/26, Monet to de Bellio from Vétheuil:
At my age I am always obliged to ask and not able to buy a modest present for my own. (R127I,no148)

Note#: their son Michel was born 1878/03/17.

1879:

around 1879, Degas to Félix Bracquemond:
‘You might have thought, that I did draw a lot in the city; but I work in my studio at least 2 or 3 hours a day.’ (R423,p108;R439,p44?)

1879, de Bellio to Monet from Paris:
Your are the most kind of my friends. Thank you for your gift and the written dedication. (R127I,doc.33)

1879*, Sunday, Degas to Caillebotte (letter 16):
I had contact with Rouart this morning – Gare d’Orléans, deal completed with Dupont 3200. Wait for my return. Rouart.
Well, master Caillebotte, isn’t it working? Tell me seriously!??! Sisley renounced. I have seen Pissarro this morning. Cézanne will arrive within a view days. Guillaumin will see him straight away. Monet knows only one thing, that he will not submit the Salon. Manet has persuaded a lady whom Forain portrayed, that Forain has no place with us… Amen for the little Forain. Mlle Cassatt sees Mlle (sic) Morisot tomorrow and will learn her decision. So, we will be almost sure: Caillebotte, Pissarro, Mlle Cassatt, Mlle Morisot, Monet, Cézanne, Guillaumin, Rouart, Tillot, Levert, Raffaelli (sic), Zandomeneghi, Maureau, Bracquemond, Cazin, Degas, Mme Cazin**. If you have time, come to me tomorrow or, if you don’t got it, come to May’s house tomorrow evening and we’ll have a chat. Write to Bellair when you think that we can’t get anything cheaper. ‘ (R102,p274)
Note*: I assume it was written before the start of the 4th ‘impressionist’ exposition that started the 10th of April.
Note**: Cézanne, Levert, Maureau, Raffaëlli and M+Mme Cazin didn’t join in 1879.

shortly before 1879/01/09, Renoir from 35, Rue St.-George to Dr. Gachet:
Renoir argues Gachet to come next Thursday. (R218,no41)

1879/01/15, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Monet asks him some money ‘you still owe me. I am in such a rough situation’. (R127I,no149)

after 1879/01/17, Renoir to Dr. Gachet:
Shortly after Gachter had a train accident. (R218,no45)

1879/01/?, Renoir to Dr. Gachet:
Renoir informed that Dr. de Bellio had visited him concerning an illness. (R218,no46)

1879/01/18, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Monet repeats his request of the 15th, because he received some very bad news from Paris. He also asks if some of his acquintances could buy a picture or two, namely M. Deudon and M. Jourde. (R127I,no150)

1879/01/22, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Monet thanks Duret for his letter and acknowledges that Duret doesn’t owe him anything. Still, he writes ‘I am in great need of money…’ (R127I,no151)

1879/01/24, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
Yesterday I was in Paris and didn’t see the painting intended for you, nor your reply. Next Monday the 27th I will be in Paris and take some new paintings with me. (R127I,no152)

1879?/01/29, Monet to Murer:
Monet apologizes for not informing Murer of his recent visit to Paris. Within 12 days I will return and have more canvasses with me. (R127I,no153)

1879/02/08, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Monet mentions that he won’t come to Paris for a while and asks Duret to send 20 à 30 liters of cognac. (R127I,no154)

1879/03, Caillebotte to Monet:
I’ll take care of the painting of de Bellio and will make sure it has a frame (preperation of the 4th ‘impressionist’ exposition of 1879) (R127I,doc.34)

1879/03/10, Monet to de Bellio:
Difficulties never leave me, I am unfortunate and desperate. I hear my friends want to organise a new exposition next year, but I haven’t made anything significant to show. (R127I,no155)

1879/03/25, Vétheuil Monet to Murer:
I refused to join your last exposition, because I hadn’t much to show. Monet mentions the health problems of his wife and his youngest son. (R127I,no156)

1879 April or May, Monet to de Bellio:
Monet asks de Bellio to hand over Parc Monceau* and L’Impression*. (R127I,no157)
Note*: no. 152 and 146 in the 4th ‘impressionist’ exposition of 1879.

1879/04/10ca, Caillebotte to Monet:
(R127I,doc.35)

1879/05/14, Vétheuil Monet to Hoschedé:
I am completely discouraged. My wife is almost all days ill. I haven’t been able to visit our exposition#. I can’t obtain enough money with selling my paintings, what is necessary for the life we lead. We mustn’t be a burden on you. (R127I,no158)

1879/05/14, Vétheuil Monet to Manet:
Thank you for not reclaiming the money I owe you. The little money I have is for medicine and doctor’s visits for my wife and little child. I am glad that your paitings have success. (R127I,no159)

1879/05/28, Vétheuil Monet to Murer:
I haven’t been able to work for some time, because the care I have to give to my wife and son. I haven’t been able to visit our exposition#, nor to reply your letters. I will take the train and visit you tomorrow. Caillebotte has a painting of my, to frame it, maybe you like it. (R127I,no160)

1879/08/17, Vétheuil Monet to de Bellio:
My wife suffers more and more. Please could you visit us. I can’t paint for lack of colours. We are in need of money. I have some paintings at Rue Vintimille, like what you want for the price that you want, but please come to our rescue with 200 or 300 francs. (R127I,no161)

1879/09/04, Monet to de Bellio:
What will become of me, if some friends like you, don’t come and help me a little. (R127I,no162)

1879/09/05, Vétheuil Monet to de Bellio:
My wife is succumbed. Could you retain my Monet de Piété medal as a souvenir for my wife. The funeral will probably take place next Sunday. (R127I,no163)

1879/09/26, Vétheuil Monet to Pissarro:
Thanks for your lettre and your sympathy. I don’t know how to organise my life with my two children. P.s. the invitation for Mlle. Cassatt has been returned because of a wrong address. … it is impossible to sell some paintings, how is that for you and Sisley? (R127I,no164)

1879/09/27, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Thank you for your lettre and for the 100fr. I started to work again and hope to show you some finished works. (R127I,no165)

1879/10/13, Paris Monet to Charpentier:
Monet invites Charpentier to 20, Rue Vintimille to look at some paintings, maybe there is something of interest for him. (R127I,no166)

1879, second half of October, Monet to de Bellio:
I haven’t received an answer to my letter. Don’t let me down, because I have to return to Vétheuil, otherwise I loose all courage and nothing rests me than to give up this miserable existence. (R127I,no167)

End of 1879, Degas to Félix Bracquemond:
Degas mentions that Ernest May wants to pay 1.500 instead of 2.000fr for the old drawing of Bracquemond (now in the Louvre). Degas mentions that May is married and bought a new home and wants to arrange his small collection in a gallery. Degas asks Bracquemond to tell Haviland that Cassatt asks 300fr for her small painting. ‘Pissarro is charming in his eagerness and trust…*‘ (R439,p59)
Note*: Degas refers to the project ‘Le Jour et la Nuit’.

End of 1879, Degas to Pissarro:
Degas describes a new printing technique on thin copper plates, to ‘print the uncovered parts with porous, in watercolour soaked wood’. (R439,p59/60)

1879/12/28, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I will come and spent two days in Paris and will take some canvasses with me, which I like to show you. (R127I,no168)

1879/12/28, Vétheuil Monet to Chocquet:
I will come and spent two days in Paris and will take some canvasses with me, which I like to show you. Greet madame. (R127I,no169)

Note#: the 4th ‘impressionist’ exposition.

1880:

1880/01/08, Vétheuil Monet to de Bellio:
Monet mentions that Georges Petit had bought a still life for 500fr and had asked him to stop selling at low prices. On that condition he wants to restart business. I hope you can understand this. You will still be the first I will show my paintings to; I won’t forget all the times you get me out of trouble. (R127I,no170)

1880/01/12, Vétheuil Monet to maître Delaplane, notaire à la Roche Guyon:
I render 150fr and two banknotes. Would you let the Elliot ladies know, that due to the flood, they have to repair the fence. (R127I,no171)

1880/02/02, Vétheuil Monet to Pissarro:
Monet informs after an article in Le Gaulois, namely passages regarder Hoschedé. (R127I,no172)

1880/03/08, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
‘Since you are one of those who have often advised me to expose myself once more to the judgement of the official jury, I must tell you that I am indeed going to subject myself to that very test. I am working on 3 large canvases, only tow of which are for the Salon, as one of the three is too much a thing of my own taste for me to send it and have it rejected, so in its place I’ve had to do somthing more sensible, more bourgeois. I’m taking a considirable risk, and I’m being treated as a turncoat by the group… but I think I’ve made the right decision, since I’m more or less certain to do some deals, particularly with Petit, once I have forced open the door of the Salon: I’m not doing this because I want to… our little exhibitions, which are highly preferable to this tawdry official affair. … can you come to my aid? A 100fr would be a great help… I know that you will be coming soon and because I shall have something for you.’ (R368,p240; R127I,no173; iR23)

1880, end of March, Degas to Félix Bracquemond:
Degas informs Bracquemond on the 5th ‘impressionist’ exposition, which would start the first of April. He mentions he had a quarrel with the stubborn Caillebotte to put names on the posters or not. Cassatt and Morisot didn’t want to be mentioned on it and he finds it idiotic that the name of Mme Bracquemond isn’t mentioned. Degas mentions that the names of Bracquemond and his wife can be put on the second 1000 posters during the exhibition. With despite Degas refers to the exhibitions of de Nittis and Monet at La Vie Moderne. ‘Probably one will place to large partition panels, one in the middle of the room with the four windows and the other one in the entrance room. On them you can spread your entire inventory of engravings.’ (R439,p60/1)
Probably in this same letter, Degas mentions he tries to improve older works. (R423,p109;R440,p42ca)

1880/04/01, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Monet appologizes for not yet having thanked him for the send 100fr, for he was busy with his entries for the Salon. He expects to be scorned. He will be in Paris 10-15 April. (R127I,no174)

1880/04/09, Vétheuil Monet to Murer:
Monet mentions he asks 1.500fr for the accepted and refused paintings for the Salon. (R127I,no175)

1880/04/09, Vétheuil Monet to Bergerat:
On the exposition at La Vie Moderne and the article of Taboureux. (R127I,no176)

1880/04/19, Paris Monet to Duret:
I have to return to Vétheuil without seeing you. (R127I,no177)

1880/04/20, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I arrrived in Vétheuil. Monet hopes to meet Duret and Deudon next time in Paris. Please go to the journal L’Art de la Mode. Hoschedé will show you some new paintings. (R127I,no178)

before 1880/05/23, Renoir to Murer:
Renoir writes he leaves tomorrow for a week to Nogent-sur-Marne to make a portrait. He also refers to a project on the reglementation of the Salon he did with Murer and which appeared 1880/05/23 in La Chronique des Tribunaux. (R218,no57)

1880/05/19, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I am not yet able to come to Paris. I am pennyless and very discouraged. I don’t see any interest and use in the exposition at La Vie Moderne, maybe I will cancell it. (R127I,no179)

1880/05/22, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I received your 50fr and will depart Tuesday for Paris. Please tell Hoschedé when we can meet. (R127I,no180)

1880/05/24, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I am delayed one day. We will organize the catalogue and will be there for the opening of the exposition. (R127I,no181)

1880/05/27, Monet to Duret:
Please come and we will look for the painting. Caillebotte will send his servant there. (R127I,no182)

1880/05/29, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I found a letter of M. Theulier, who I went to at rue Taitbout 51. Please visit Mme Dejean (Deycan ?) at this address. Please take the large landscape (after the break up of the ice) and the still life with the game to La Vie Moderne. I have written Manet and Petit, but if you pass by the rue St.-Georges, please see if Petit doesn’t forget the frames. Included is the list you have asked for. (R127I,no183)

1880/06/04, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I will be tomorrow in Paris. (R127I,no184)

1880/06/15, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
I went to see you Saterday evening, but didn’t see you. I have settled the business with M. Ephrussi and have handed to the cashier 120fr. Greet Bergerat and Goetchy. (R127I,no185)

1880/06/27, Vétheuil Monet to Mme Charpentier:
After some consideration the painting is available for you after the exposition at La Vie Moderne. (R127I,no186)

1880/06/29, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
Tomorrow I will come to Paris. I will see you at La Vie Moderne. (R127I,no187)

1880/06/30, Paris Monet to Ephrussi:
I ask 400fr for the painting you have choosen. (R127I,no188)

1880/07/03, Vétheuil Monet to Murer:
Are you interested in Pommiers en fleurs au bord de l’eau or in the painting depicting a ‘route sous les arbres’. The exposition at La Vie Moderne will close next Thursday. (R127I,no189)

1880/07/03, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
I was waiting this morning for what you promised me. (R127I,no190)

1880/07/05, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I have sold many of the works exhibited at the exposition to which you tirelessly contributed. I sold the large Glaçons to Mme Charpentier and a new work to Ephrussi. Some were interested in several of your works, including the marine and Le chemin de fer. I haven’t read the reviews yet. The day after tomorrow I will be in Paris for the closure of the exposition at La Vie Moderne. P.s. Hoschedé is always in Paris. (R127I,no191)

1880/07/08, Paris Monet to Charpentier:
Can you render me the 200fr tomorrow or Saturday. I had to pay Carpentier more than 200fr for the discharge. (R127I,no192)

1880/07/05, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I have taken care that the painting you lent, is send back. I am about to finish the painting that I am making for you. Please send me 100fr, because I arrived in Vétheuil without a penny. Can you send me and Hochedé a small barrel of ‘d’eau-de-vie’? (R127I,no193)

1880? Monet to Charpentier:
I have just 50fr left. (R127I,no194)

1880/07/21, Vétheuil Monet to de Bellio:
Could you send me some money? (R127I,no195)

1880/07/25, Vétheuil Monet to Hoschedé:
My cousin Lecadre from Le Havre has asked me to send 2 or 3 paintings to an exposition that opens next Sunday the 1st of August. I send my Salon painting (Lavacourt). Could yo add your canvas Vue de l’Île de St-Martin? Can’t you spend some time here? (R127I,no196)

1880/08/04, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Could you send me 1 or 200fr? I couldn’t finish your painting yet. All the art-collectors seem to have left Paris. (R127I,no197)

1880/08/06, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
Could you already render me the payment of 500fr you have booked for next April? (R127I,no198)

1880/08/25, Vétheuil Monet to de Bellio:
Thank yo for the voucher for 300 francs. (R127I,no199)

1880/10/03, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Thank you for the 100fr you send me. I was working on two studies with apple trees. The next time I went, the apples were gone. Two canvasses lost. The art-collectors in Le Havre reacted irritated on my paintings (exhibited). (R127I,no200)

1880/10/15, Vétheuil Monet to de Bellio:
I will soon come to Paris and take your two paintings. Maybe you are interested in some other works, namely two still lifes. I have been to the sea and made some studies. I am without a penny, could you send me 100fr? (R127I,no201)

1880/12/09, Thursday evening, Vétheuil Monet to Hoschedé:
I heard about your mother that she is ill. Mme Hoschedé will share some news about the children. (R127I,no202)

1880/12/09, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I haven’t received your ‘brochure’ yet. I have been to La Vie Moderne several times, but didn’t see Charpentier once. I have sold two till lifes for 1.400fr. You know the art-world well. I could send you 4 or 5 canvasses, which you could show to others. I’d like to join you to London, but I now don’t have the money. What do you think of L’Art de la Mode? Hoschedé is with his dying mother. I last met Manet, who is occupied with a painting intended for the Salon. (R127I,no203)

1880/12/13, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
Yesterday I was in Paris for the funeral of the mother of Hoschedé. I’m really worried about the position of Hoschedé at L’Art de la Mode. (R127I,no204)

1880/12/22, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
Could you send me the catalogue with books as New Year’s gifts. (R127I,no205)

1880/12/28, Vétheuil Monet to Charpentier:
Can you send me the volumes I have choosen. (R127I,no206)

1881:

1881/01/12, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
We could meet next Saturday at 20, Rue Vintimille. (R127I,no207)

1881/01/17,  Camille Pissarro to Duret:
‘You know full well that the English have never appreciated anything by us!’ (R116I,p132;R434I,no85)

1881/01/24, Caillebotte (letter 23) to Camille Pissarro:
‘What is to become of our exhibitions#? … a show should be composed of all those who contributed real interest to the subject, that is , you, Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Mlle (sic) Morisot, Mlle Cassatt, Cézanne, Guillaumin, if you want Gauguin, maybe Cordey and me. That’s all, since Degas refuses a show on such a basis. … Degas introduced disunity into our midst. It is unfortunate for him that he has such an unsatisfactory character. He spends his time haranguing at the Nouvelle-Athènes or in society. He would do much better to paint a little more. (…) this man has gone sour. (…) He claims that he wanted to have Raffëlli and the others because Monet and Renoir had regeged and that there had to be someone. But for three years he has been after Raffaëlli to join us, long before the defection of Monet, Renoir, and even Sisley. He claims that we must stick together and be able to count on each other (for God’s sake!): and whom does he bring us? In 1876 Lepic and Legros and Mme de Rambure*, 1877 Moreau (sic Maureau) and Mme de Rambure again. Yet he didn’t rage against the defection of Lepic and Legros, while Lepic for example has no talent at all. He has forgiven him, no doubt, Sisley, Monet and Renoir have talent, he will never forgive them. In 1878: Zandomeneghi, (Félix) Bracquemond, Mme (Marie) Bracquemond. In 1879: Raffaëlli, Vidal… The list goes on**, what a fighting squadron in the great cause of realism!!!!’
‘…, you have experienced the same practical demands as they and you haven’t weakened. (…) You know that there is only one reason for all this, the needs of existence. … Although Degas denies the validity of such fundamental reasons… the very one who has talked so much and wanted to do so much has always been the one who has personally contributed the least… The person who shifted the question to another level is Degas… He has tremendous talent… he doesn’t have a great character. … do you want an exclusively artistic exhibition? … If Degas wants to take part, let him, but without the crowd he drags along. The only ones of his friends who have any right are Rouart and Tillot…’ (R368,p171/2;R102,p275/6)
Note*: probably under the pseudonyme Jacques François.
Note**: Caillebotte left out Forain, Lebourg, Levert, Rouart, Somm, Tillot and Vignon and also Cals and Piette who had already died.

1881/01/27, Camille Pissarro to Caillebotte (letter 24):
‘… your letter … concerning the request from Renoir and Monet to be brought back into our exhibition#… I had to take time to reflect. … I must declare myself wholly against your idea of considering the affair purely from an artistic point of view, which is … bound to divide us all. … The only practicable principle, …, is not to abandon colleagues whom one has … accepted… You know me well enough to be convinced that I would like nothing more to have Monet and Renoir, … having left us … not having been successful at the Officiel, making a return to us with conditions laid down… remember that it was he (Degas) who brought us Mlle Cassatt, Forain and yourself: he will be forgiven a great deal. … I haven’t shown your letter but to Mlle Cassatt who shares my view. I will talk tomorrow with Gauguin and Guillaumin.’ (R368,p173/4;R102,p276;R434I,no86)

1881/01/28, Caillebotte (letter 25) to Camille Pissarro:
‘I’am disappointed to see you persist in the view of Degas… Allow me to rectify some points. Renoir and Monet do not impose any conditions… Renoir and Monet … are completely unaware of what’s going on. (…)’ On the remark ‘not to abandon colleagues whom one has .. accepted’, Caillebotte opposes against it that they were imposed. (…) ‘I believe we have enough sense to recognise the talent of those who are most opposed to us in terms of their sentiments, way of seeing things and so on. I don’t know what I will do, I don’t think an exposition# is possible this year. But surely I will not do again such one as last year. The Degas showcase isn’t enough for me.’ (R102,p276)

1881/01/26, Boudin to Durand-Ruel:
Rendering a list of 6 of his works and additional prices varying from 100 till 200fr, starting with no.2. (R435II,p77=no1)

1881/02/02, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
For two months I haven’t been able to go to Paris and one month to paint, because of a sore finger. I’m pennyless, could you send me 100fr? I intend to go to Paris to settle some business. I’d like to do an exhibition as like at La Vie Moderne, but now at L’Art. Do you know anyone there? I keep 100 copies of your brochure. (R127I,no208)

1881/02/14, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I leave tomorrow for Paris. (R127I,no209)

1881/02/15, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
Monet writes he hasn’t been in Paris for 2 months, but he will arrive the next day and suggests an appointment at his studio, 20, rue de Vintimille. (R435I,p219=no2; R127I,no210)

1881/02/17, Boudin to Durand-Ruel:
Rendering a list of 8 of his works and additional prices varying from 150 till 250fr. (R435II,p77=no2)

1881/03, Renoir to Durand-Ruel, from Algiers:
‘I shall now try to explain why I am sending to the Salon. There are in Paris scarcely fifteen art-lovers capable of liking a painting without Salon approval. There are 80.000 who will not buy an inch of canvas if it is not in the Salon… I want to make you splendid paintings which you will be able to sell for very high prices. … I have stayed in the sun… to reflect at lenght. I think I have reached my aim… soon I hope to give you the proof that one can send work to the Salon and do good paintings. I therefore beg you to plead my case with my friends. My submitting to the Salon is entirely a business matter. (…) I shall be here for another month. ” (R368,p174/5;R435I,p115/6=no1;R2,p308;R5,p20/1).

1881/03/04,  Camille Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
First letter of Pissarro to  Durand-Ruel in the second Volume of Venturi 1938/1968. Rendering a list with paintings, gouaches and pastels Pissarro wants to exhibit the 1st of April (at the 6th ‘impressionist’ exposition). (R435II,p9=no1;R434I,no87)

1881/03/08, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will leave tomorrow for Fécamp where I will make some marines. At once after my return -that’s within 3 weeks- I will return to Paris and will take the pictures for you…’ (R435I,p220=no3; R127I,no211)

1881/03/23, Monet from Fécamp to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks to send 6 à 700fr to M. Lemarrois, Grand-Quai, Fécamp (Seine-Inf.) (R435I,p220=no4; R127I,no212)

1881/03/26, Monet from Fécamp to Durand-Ruel:
I have to distribute various sums of money, could you kindle send the sum to me before Friday. (R127I,no213)

1881/04/18, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
I think of coming to Paris before the end of the week. (R127I,no214)

1881/04/28, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
Can we meet Saturday 16h in Paris to show you what I’m bringing back. (R127I,no215)

1881/04/28, Monet from Vétheuil to ?:
If you like to show my studies of the holiday at sea. Meet me Saturday morning, before I show them to Durand-Ruel. (R127I,no216)

1881/05/19, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks to send 500fr to MM. Vieille and Troisgros, merchants in colours, 35, rue de Laval. (R435I,p222=no8; R127I,no217)

1881/05/24, Monet from Vétheuil to Zola:
I was planning to move to Poissy, a nice place on the banks of the Seine where I can find a a secondary school for Jean and a nice affordable pension. (R127I,no218)

1881/06/05, Monet from Vétheuil to (Ephrussi):
I think it is not exaccerated that I ask 600fr for the 2 paintings. Le Brouillard is one of the most typical thinks I have made. Durand-Ruel buys the most small paintings for 300fr.  (R127I,no219)

1881/06/06, Sisley from Ryde, Ile de Wight to Durand-Ruel(?):
Writing on his holiday (R435II,p55=no1)

1881/06/07, Vétheuil Monet to Duret:
I was pleased to meet you. Is there another we can meet again? (R127I,no220)

1881/06/18, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
Can you send me 2.000 à 2.500fr? I refused the proposol of M. Ephrussi, the price was too low.
P.s. Amounts received: The first deal, 4.000fr; Fécamp, 700fr, Vétheuil, 300fr. In May and June: 22 canvasses of 300fr each. (R127I,no221)

1881/09/13, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
The continued bad weather has prevented me to work, while I counted on this holiday by the sea.  I have to leave Vétheuil within a month. I will come to Paris after I have found something and show you the works I have made. (R127I,no222)

1881/10/01, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
Due to the fine weather I started on a large canvas and I want to make some others before I leave Vétheuil. So, I postpone my trip to Paris. But, I send you 4 canvasses by train. (R127I,no223)

1881/10/02, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
Tomorrow you will receive 5 canvasses. (R127I,no224)

1881/10/28, Boudin from Trouville to Durand-Ruel:
A more extended letter. ‘I’ve done my best to awaken my colour and most of all to complete my studies on animals. I have forcely neglected the marines.’ Boudin is obliged to Durand-Ruel when he is able to find a more spacious studio with housing. (R435II,p77/8=no3)

1881/10/30, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
I will come tomorrow to Paris and ask you for the sum I need. You can choose from the canvasses I take. (R127I,no225)

1881/11/02, Monet from Vétheuil to Durand-Ruel:
I hope you received my paintings. I will take some more when I am in Paris. (R127I,no226)

1881/11/20,  Camille Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
‘My merchant in colours, Tanguy, 14, rue Clauzel, has asked me money; would you be obliged to render him the som of 1.300fr…’ (R435II,p10=no2;R434I,no95)

1881/11/21, Renoir to Durand-Ruel, from Naples:
‘… I am still bogged down in experiments – a malady. I’m not satisfied, so I clean things off, again and again. I hope the mania will come to an end; … I do not think I shall bring back very much from my travels. But I think I shall have made progress, which always happens after experimenting for a long time. One always comes back to one’s first love, but with a note added. (…) I’m still making blots… I went to look at the Raphaels in Rome. … They are full of skill and wisdom. … I prefer Ingres for oil paintings. But the frescoes are admirable in their simplicity and nobility. … I am beginning something. I won’t tell you what…’ (R368,p196; R435I,p116/7=no3)

1881/12/17, Monet from Villa Saint-Louis, Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
‘At last I’ve installed here. Could you send me 500fr. I’m working on several canvasses. ‘ (R435I,p226=no15; R127II,no227)

Note#: This refers to the preparations for the 6th ‘impressionist’ exposition.

 

1882:

1882, January/February, Renoir to Mme Charpentier from L’Estaque:
‘In Naples I received a letter from Deudon, who told me that you had talked a lot about me… the longer I take, the better the portrait will be. … I have perpetual sunshine and I can rub out and begin again as much as I like. That is the only way to learn… I have spent a lot of time in the museum at Naples… Although Raphael did not work out of doors, he definitely studied sunlight because his frescoes are full of it. So all this looking at the outdoors has meant that I now see only the large harmonies, without any longer concerning myself with the small details which put out the sun instead of setting it aflame. (…) I hope to be back at the end of the month. At the latest. I have done several studies of Italy which I will show to you on my return.’ (R368,p197)

1882/01/23, Monday, Renoir from L’Estaque, Hôtel des Bains, to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve met Cézanne and we have worked together.’ (R435I,p118=no6)

1882/01/25, Monet from Villa Saint-Louis, Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
Could you send me 1.500fr. I’m leaving early February for Dieppe. (R127II,no228)

1882/01/29, Monet from Villa Saint-Louis, Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
I haven’t received an answer. (R127II,no229)

1882/01/31, Monet from Villa Saint-Louis, Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
Could you just send me 1.000fr, so I pay two instalments. (R127II,no230+231)

1882/02/01, Monet from Villa Saint-Louis, Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
Thank you for the 1.000fr. I will leave next Saturday. (R127II,no232)

1882/02/06, Monet from Dieppe to Alice Hoschedé##:
I wasn’t able to visit my brother in Rouen. I missed the express train in Mantes and had to take the local train, that took two hours. The sun is superb, but the cliffs are less beautiful than in Fécamp. Hug all the kids from me and render my best wishes to Marthe. And for you I have my most affectionate thoughts. (R127II,no233)

1882/02/06, Monet from Grand Hôtel du Nord & Victoria, Dieppe to Durand-Ruel:
You must have, or you will receive the two larges paintings that I promised. Poissy didn’t really inspire me. Could you send me 500fr. (R435I,p226/7=no17; R127II,no234).

1882/02/07, Monet from Dieppe to Alice Hoschedé##:
Monet worries about Alice, who has went to Paris. He looked for places to paint, but isn’t very satisfied. Maybe he will part for Fécamp or Yport. Ask Jean to write me. (R127II,no235)

1882/02/08, Wednessday, Monet from Dieppe to Alice Hoschedé##:
I am bored to death. Do I need to write to Langlois again to follow up on the cancellation request? (R127II,no236)

1882/02/09, Monet from Hotel Victoria Dieppe to Pissarro:
I only want to join an exposition# that is really good, so, don’t count on me. Besides, I hardly made works the last months. (R127II,no237)

1882/02/10, Monet from Hotel Victoria Dieppe to Durand-Ruel:
Concerning the plans for an exposition#, Monet finds it must be done good or not at all. He finds it necessary to be ‘entre nous’. Monet refuses to join when certain persons are involved. First he wants to go on painting in this neighbourhood (he prefers Fécamp above Dieppe), only then he can pick his own paintings and take care of the hanging. He had written Caillebotte yesterday a letter with the same message. (R435I,p227=no18; R127II,no238)

1882/02/12, Monet from Hotel Victoria Dieppe to Durand-Ruel:
I have received the 500fr. (R127II,no239)

1882/02/13, Monet from Dieppe to Alice Hoschedé##:
I found some nice spots to paint, though a bit far away. The Hotel costs me 20fr a day. I will send you 100fr, so the 15th you have 50fr to pay the servants. What you write about M. Maillard is unthinkable. I’m affraid you will have to address to M. Massadro. (R127II,no240)

1882/02/14, Monet from Dieppe to Alice Hoschedé##:
I hope that with the care of M. Love, Jacques will soon be recovered. Tomorrow onwards I will stay at M. Paul, Pourville-par-Offranville. It will be 3 times cheaper than Hotel Victoria. (R127II,no241)

1882/02/15, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
The landscape here is very beautiful, I regret I didn’t come here earlier. Sunday there will be the most strong sea of the year. I wrote M. Langlois two days ago, but haven’t received a reply yet. (R127II,no242)

1882/02/17, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
Yesterday the weather was good and I worked all day. But, among the cliffs I have no where to hide from the rain. I haven’t received news from Langlois, nor Caillebotte nor Durand-Ruel. I can’t be part of that exposition#, unless I quit my journey. I pay here 6fr a day for board and lodging. (R127II,no243)

1882/02/20, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
I’m sorry to read about your financial worries and the illnesses of Jacques and the baby again and again. (R127II,no244)

1882/02/21, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope that if you are still angry with me for not having wanted to take part in the exhibition# in the rue Saint-Honoré…’ I work hard and will bring many pictures. Monet asks to send 400fr to Mme Hoschedé, villa Saint-Louis (Poissy) and 3 à 400fr to himself. (R435I,p228=no19;R127II,no245)

1882/02/21, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
You have done well to bring the baby to M. Love. I received a letter of Caillebotte. He is angry with me for my refusal to join the exposition#. (R127II,no246)

1882/02/22, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
I’m really looking forward to return and be close to you and support you. (R127II,no247)

1882/02/23, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
Maybe Sunday I will come to spend some days. I have decided to see for myself what Durand-Ruel is making me put on display. (R127II,no248)

1882/02/23, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
Concerning the plans for an exposition#, Monet mentions that the composition of the exhibitants is the most delicat part. Monet wants Renoir and Caillebotte included. ‘Caillebotte… did a lot for the success of our exhibitions…’. He mentions some works he wants to show, namely the ‘chrysanthèmes rouges‘ owned by Caillebotte, a large winter landscape with a setting sun and the large painting with icicles bought by Mme Charpentier at the exposition at La Vie Moderne. (R435I,p228-230=no20; R127II,no249)

1882/02/24, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
‘… I would like it more to have Caillebotte, than MM. Guillaumin, Vignon and Gauguin reunited…’ (R435I,p230=no21; R127II,no250)

1882/02/24, Auguste Renoir from L’Estaque to Durand-Ruel *:
‘Unfortunately I have one aim in my life, which is to raise the value of my paintings. … To exhibit# with Pisarro, Gauguin and Guillaumin is like exhibiting with any old rabble. For two pins Pissarro would invite the Russian Lavrof (the anarchist), or some other revolutionary to join in. The public does not like anything that smacks of politics and at my age I do not want to be a revolutionary. To associate with the Israelite Pissarro is tantamount to revolution. Furthermore, these gentlemen know that I have taken a great step forward because of the Salon. They are in a hurry to make me lose what I have gained. … Get rid of these people and present me with artist’s like Monet, Sisley, Morisot etc., …’ (R368,p175; R435I,p119/8=no9)
Note*: his brother Edmond send it the 26th for him to Durand-Ruel, while Auguste was (ill) in bed.

1882/02/26, Renoir from L’Estaque to Durand-Ruel:
On the preparations of an exposition# Renoir remarks ‘I don’t subscribe in any way to the Pissarro–Gauguin combination’. He refuses to join, but accepts it when Durand-Ruel shows the paintings of Renoir he owns. ‘I’m not going to be “Indépendants”. (R435I,p120/1=no10)

(early) 1882, Renoir to Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope indeed that Caillebotte will exhibit#, and I also hope that these gentlemen will drop this ridiculous title “Indépendants“. I would like you to tell these gentlemen that I am not going to give up exhibiting at the Salon. This is not for pleasure, as I told you, but so as to dispel the revolutionary taint which frightens me… Delacroix was right to say that a painter ought to obtain all honours possible at any cost.’ (R368,p175)

1882/02/28, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
Monet received better news from Alice. (R127II,no251)

1882/03/05, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
Monet writes he went to Paris and then returned. (R127II,no252)

1882/03/07, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
The painting doesn’t go well. (R127II,no253)

1882, March, Renoir from Alger to Durand-Ruel:
‘There are hardly fifteen connoisseurs in Paris capable of liking a painter without the Salon. There are 80.000 of them who won’t even buy a nose (of a potrait) if a painter is not in the Salon… My submitting to the Salon is entirely a business matter.” (R2,p308;R5,p20/1;R430,p15)

1882/03/14, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
Monet mentions he has a severe fever. He informs after the sale at the exposition# and mentions the good article of Chesnau. (R435I,p231=no22; R127II,no254)

1882/03/15, Wednessday evening, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
I received a letter of M. Deudon, that he will come and visit me. (R127II,no255)

1882/03/17, Friday evening, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
At some canvasses I worked 10 times without finishing them. Caillebotte wrote that the exposition# has a loss of 2.000fr. (R127II,no255bis)

1882/03/18, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
(R127II,no256)

1882/03/19, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
(R127II,no257)

1882/03/24, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
(R127II,no258)

1882/03/25, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
(R127II,no259)

1882/03/24, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
(R127II,no260)

1882/03/26, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
(R127II,no261)

1882/03/29, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
(R127II,no262)

1882/04/01, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
(R127II,no263)

1882/04/04, Monet from Pourville to Alice Hoschedé##:
(R127II,no263bis)

1882/04/04, Renoir from Alger to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am in need this month of around 2.000 francs’ (R435I,p125=no14)

1882/09/14, Sisley from Moret to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have installed at Moret.’ (R435II,p55/6=no2)

1882/09/19, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
(Monet had returned with his family to Pourville the 28 of June, see no.28) He thanks Durand-Ruel for the 1.500fr he send and asks to send his regards to Renoir. (R435I,p236/7=no32)

1882/09/27, Renoir from Guernesey to Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope to return soon, around 8 or 9 October…’ (R435I,p125/6=no15)

1882/11/05, Sisley from Moret to Durand-Ruel:
Sisley mentions his arguments against ‘a series of individual expositions‘. ‘In my view, our interests and yours do not lie in showing a lot of pictures… a joint exhibitionn would be far more effective’. He also mentions ’the public of the Impressionists’.  (R166,p40;R435II,p56/7=no3)

1882/11/10, Monet from Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
Concerning the idea of Durand-Ruel to hold solo-exhibitions, Monet refers to a discussion they had including Sisley, who later wrote Monet. The last one writes that the group expositions are to often repeated, but solo-exhibitions will last endlessly. Monet proposes two exhibitions: one with landscapers and another with Renoir or Degas. (R435I,p240/1=no39)

1882/11/12-14, Monet from Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
‘…I’ve met Pissarro, whom I haven’t seen for a long time. … we spent the evening at the exposition internationale at Petit‘ (where Pissarro exhibited). Most of the works were according to Monet ’trivial and of low value’. (R435I,p241/2=no40)

1882/11/24, Monet from Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
Monet excuses to aks for money again, but his brother, whom he owes 1.500fr since 10 or 15 years, now reclaims it. (R435I,p243/4=no42)

1882/12/18, Durand-Ruel from Paris to Pissarro:
‘I’m sorry that I can’t give you at this moment the money you asked for … I’m completely broke.’ (R435II,p248=no4)

Note#: the 7th ‘impressionist’ exposition.

Note##: Alice was married with Ernest Hoschedé, but she stayed with her children with Monet and his son Jean.

1883:

1883?, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Degas announces that he will receive Saturday 7 drawings, more or less enriched with pastel, and a small painting. (R435II,p98=no2) In other (small) letters he announces he will receive it later ‘I still have to make some necessairy adjustments’. (letter 4) He also asks to send some money.

1883, Camille Pissarro from Osny (près Pontoise) to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro renders a list of works intended for the exposition in London. ‘Degas is the leader of the Impressionists, if he only knew it! ‘ (R435II,p11/12=no5)

1883/02/15, Monet from Étretat to Durand-Ruel:
(Monet had gone to the Hôtel Continental in Le Havre the end of January (no44) and the 31th lodged at Hôtel Blanquet in Étretat (no.46). ‘I was very pleased to hear that you are satisfied of the Boudin exposition. … I aspect to leave the 21th, because I want to choose myself some pictures at Fauré and at M. de Bellio, in the meanwhile if you could send me the address of a Monsieur Delius, -he has two still lifes that are nice to show.’ There also is a relative of M. Basch, who has a nice little figure painting, that will come out nicely. The brother of Michel Lévy, the painter, has a nice view on Rouen. Monet also mentions a work of his at M. Hayem.  (R435I,p247=no50)

1883/03/26, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I received the 200 francs from you this morning. Thank you. I am not at my wit’s end, just concerned about my bills at the end of the month.’ (R166,p40)

1883/04/05, Monet from Poissy to Durand-Ruel:
(Monet had returned in Poissy the 5th of March, letter 51.) Monet asks to send 2x 2.000fr. (R435I,p252/3=no54)

1883/05/01, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I just heard the terrible news of the departure of our poor friend Manet. His brother counts on me to hold one of the cords…’ (R435I,p254=no58)

1883/05/04, Camille Pissarro to his son Lucien from Paris:
‘I am leaving for Pontoise this afternoon, and am bringing a maid with me. … You will see in L’Intransigeant the account of the burial of our lamented Manet. Antonin Proust said some words full of emotion… Duret left today for London. He promised to look you up… my exhibition. It goes without saying that I received not a few compliments. The ones I value most came from Degas who said he was happy to see my work becoming more and more pure. the etcher Bracquemond, a pupil of Ingres, said … that my work shows increasing strength. … I am much disturbed by my unpolished and rough execution; I should like to develop a smoother technique which, while retaining the old fierceness, would be rid of those jarring notes which makes it difficult to see my canvases clearly except when the light falls in front. … ‘ (R368,p216/7;R434I,no144)

1883/05/09, Camille Pissarro to his son Lucien:
‘I remember only too well, around 1874… Duret telling me with every possible precaution that I was on the wrong path, that everyone thought so… I had reproached myself for the same faults…’ (R116I,p147;R434I,no145)

1883/05/26,  Camille Pissarro to Dr. Gachet:
‘Sisley wants to have his painting depicting le Canal St.-Martin’. Sisley needed it for his solo exhibition at Durand-Ruel and earlier showed it at the Salon in 1870 (no.2651=R396,no17). Gachet bought it for 170fr. (R218;R434I,no154)

1883/05/31, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope the exposition of Sisley opened with success.’ (R435I,p255=no59)

1883/06/05, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I was obliged to build a construction on the banks of the Seine, a hangar to shelter my boats and deposit my easels and canvasses.’ (R435I,p255=no60)

1883, early June, Monet to Pissarro:
‘How goes the Sisley exhibition? I have the feeling that in this magnificent weather everyone must have escaped from Paris’ (R166,p40+52;R127II,p229)

1883/06/12, Pissarro to Monet:
‘Nobody came to my exhibition… As for the Sisley exhibition, it was worse still. Nothing, nothing.’ He also wrote ‘A consignment of our paintings has been sent to an exhibition in Boston… it was an experiment… (…) there was talk of an exhibition in Holland. Durand is constantly active. He is in a hurry to push us forward at all costs… In London, for instance, Durand did a deal with a contractor (Dowdeswell &  Dowdeswell) who simply stacked our canvases up in a room like the Hôtel des Ventes Paris auction rooms.’ (R166,p40+42+52;R434I,letter158,p216/7)
Note: Pissarro refers to the solo exhibitions at Durand-Ruel of himself and Sisley; to international exhibitions in Boston and Rotterdam and to an exhibition in London.

1883/06/12, Murer from Auvers to Dr. Gachet:
Murer asked Gachet if he could lent 3 chambers to Mme Gauguin and her children ‘I think, you know her husband’. Her address was 8, rue Carcelle, Vaugirard, Petit Hôtel – Jobé-Duval. (R218)

1883/06/13, Camille Pissarro to his son Lucien:
‘On your plan, to follow drawing lessons at Legros, I have talked with Degas.’ (R423,p108;R269,p36;R434I,no159)

1883/07/15, Sisley from Moret to Durand-Ruel:
Sisley writes he renders a box with 3 paintings. ‘I count for (the 3) canvases size 10# 250fr, the canvas size that is with you 400fr. And the canvas size 20# that I send you 300fr. … 31 Oct. 1882 I owed you 1.000fr. The 31 Oct. 1882 I send you for 2.700fr in paintings, I received untill 20 December 1.800fr, so there still rests in my favour 900fr.’ (R435II,p57=no4)

1883/07/31, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am sending you a crate containing two size 10# canvases and one size 20#. I am counting on 250 francs each for the size 10s, 400 for the size 20 that you have, and 300 for the size 20 that I am sending you now.’ (R166,p40)

1883/08/24, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
Sisley announced that he was about to leave Moret for Les Sablons ‘a quarter of an hour away from here, where I shall be in better air’ (R166,p40)

1883/09/05, John-Louis Brown to Durand-Ruel:
In this short letter he asks ‘Why is Renoir discouraged?’ (R435II,p97=no1)

1883/10/19, Camille Pissarro to his son Lucien from Rouen:
‘Yesterday I received your letter in which you mention the various works you have begun. let me urge you to complete whatever you begin. … the difficulties that beset one unexpectedly when working outdoors. Here the weather is always changing… I am working on nine canvases… I started a new painting at Le Cours-la-Reine, in the afternoon in a glow of sun (CR602=CCP725*), and another in the morning by the water below St. Paul’s Church. These two canvases are fairly well advanced, but I still need one sessin in fine weather without too much mist to give them a little firmness. Until now I have not been able to find the effect I want, I have even been forced to change the effect a bit, which is always dangerous. I have also an effect of fog, another, same effect, from my window (?CCP731), the same motif in the rain (CR608=CCP732), several sketches in oils, done on the quays near the boats (CR610=CCP733, CR611=CCP734); the next day it was impossible to go on, everything was confused, the motifs no longer existed; one has to realize them in a single session.’ (R368,p217;R434I,no181)
Note*: CR = Catalogue Raissoné of 1939 (=R126); CCP = Critical Catalogue of Paintings of 2005 (=R116)

1883/11/21, Camille Pissarro from Rouen to Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope to leave Saturday morning together with M. Monet de Déville to make a small trip to Petite Dalle, a hamlet that is near to Fécamp…’ (R435II,p13=no8;R434I,no191)

1883/11/21, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I know business is not exactly booming; but then, again, you have to admit that I don’t make excessive demands… But I have to be sure of getting 500 francs by the end of the month.’ (R166,p40)

1883, December, Renoir from Gênes(?) to Durand-Ruel:
‘We have (almost) seen everything between Marseille untill Gênes. All is superb. … Saint-Raphaël, Monte-Carlo and Bordighera are pure landscapes…’ (R425I,p126/7=16)

1883/12/01, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘… your paintings are finished. (…) It seems that Pissarro has worked nicely in Rouen.’ (R435I,p264=no79)

1883/12/08, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Tell Pissarro that I will be very happy to encounter him in Paris.’ (R435I,p264/5=no80)

1883/12/12, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have received the 200 francs you sent me. This is not nearly enough. At the moment I am buying canvases and paints. I have nothing left, and … I shall have to repay what I have borrowed, not to mention my liabilities here. How can you expect me to work? From my point of view, things cannot go on like this.’ (R166,p40)

Note#: size 10 = 38x55cm; size 20 = 54×73; 1883/07/31 Sisley sent The boatyard at Matrat, Moret; view of Moret; Towpath, Loing canal  (R166,p52,note53)

1884:

1884/01/12, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks 500fr for he will part to Italy, to stay a month in Bordighera, ‘one of the niced places we have in our country. … Please don’t tell anyone of this journey… I want to do it alone: As pleasant as it was for me to make the trip as a tourist with Renoir, it would be just as embarrassing for me to make it as a couple and work there, I’ve always worked better in solitude and from my impressions alone. … Renoir knowing of me departure, would without doubt have the desire to join me and this would be very bad for both of us.’ (R435I,p267/8=no84)

1884/01/21, Camille Pissarro (letter 211) to his son Lucien:
‘I’m also sending you … a book by Proudhon, De la Justice dans la Révolution. … It’s more beautiful than all the crossed bibles!’ (R116I,p117;R434I,no211)

1884/01/23, Monet from Bordighera to Durand-Ruel:
‘There are now a lot more people than I was here with Renoir.’ Monet sends his regards to Renoir, Pissarro and Sisley. (R435I,p269/270=no87)

1884/02/07, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have received the 300 francs you sent me. I was counting on more…’ (R166,p42)

1884/02/09, Monet from Bordighera to Durand-Ruel:
‘I don’t know if you are satisfied with the Manet sale, but the little I have heard of it doesn’t seem favourable.’ (R435I,p272=no90)

1884/02/17, Camille Pissarro (letter 219) to his son Lucien:
‘… the new is to be found, not in the subject, but in the way it’s expressed… That’s what Guillemet used to say: after Corot, Daubigny and Jongkind, there’s nothing more to be done. It’s ridiculous!’ (R116,p122;R434I,no.219)

1884/03/09, Sisley from Sablons to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have received the 200fr that you have send me. There is nothing more desagreable that asking for money…’ (R435II,p59=no8)

1884/03/17, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have quite a lot of paintings undere way… In ten days or so, I shall bring you some paintings… finished ones, for on that fateful day, 1 April, I shall need a thousand francs or so.’ (R166,p42)

1884/04/08, Monet from Menton to Durand-Ruel:
Monet writes about problems to take his paintings from Bordighera. (R435I,p276/7=no97)

1884/04/13, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘Knowing the difficulty you have in getting paid, I am very sorry to be asking you for money, but after paying my rent I have no penny.’ (R166,p42)

1884/05/03, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I can’t wait to hear what you and Mr Petit have decided. …I come to Paris tomorrow, before the lunch with Renoir and M. Clapisson…’ (R435I,p278=no100)

1884/05/15, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Renoir wrote me he had given you the advice to sell our paintings cheaply. If that’s going to help you get out of trouble, don’t hesitate.’ (R435I,p278=no101)

1884/05/15, Camille Pissarro from Eragny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve forgotten to ask you if Gauguin hasn’t left some papers concerning my assurance.’ (R435II,p15/16=no11)

1884/06/06, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘I would like to be able to take your advice and just wait. But unfortunately, here as elsewhere, it is impossible to live without money, and I have none left.’ (R166,p42)

after 1884/06/04, Boudin to Durand-Ruel:
Rendering a lists of works and additional prices mostly varying from 200 till 400fr, starting with no.102. 10 livered in December 1883, 35 in January (including 2 large works both priced 2.000fr), 4 June he delivered 10 numbers, but several contained several studies. (R435II,p78-80=no4)

1884/06/09, Durand-Ruel to Pissarro:
‘I would like to be free to go off into the desert.’ (R166,p42)

1884/06/10, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will be in Paris after tomorrow morning with a box with pictures. If Pissarro is in Paris, will you tell him that I will come. I have received a pastel of Manet, but I had preferred something more caracteristic of Manet.’ (R435I,p280/1=no105)

1884/06/21, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve seen indeed M. Petit who didn’t hide to me the bad state of the general buisiness…’ (R435I,p282=no107)

1884, Summer, Degas from Chateau du Menil-Hubert, près Gacé (Orne) to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m going to fill you up with my products from this winter, and you on your turn will fill me up with money.’ (R435II,p100=no6; =no77)

1884, Summer, Renoir from La Rochelle to Durand-Ruel:
‘I beg you to send 200 francs to hôtel d’Angoulême, La Rochelle.’ (R435I,p129/130=no19)

1884/08/29, Pissarro to M. Heymann:
‘I know all too well, alas, that business is at a low ebb; but it is still sad to see how low Sisley has sunk.’ (R166,p42;R434I,no251,p312/3)

1884/10/?, Degas from Dieppe to Durand-Ruel:
‘Every day a make a promenade in the surroundings, which in the end will turn me into a landscapist. But my sadfull eyes refuse this transformation. … Saterday always with Halévy, rue de la Grève, Dieppe’ (R435II,p100=no7; =no78)

1884/10/02, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Since 3 July, that’s 3 months ago, you have given me 1.100fr. That’s a lot less than I earned in a single month. … I heard something that worries me, one would have told Pissarro that one had paintings of mine at ridiculously low prices.’ (R435I,p286/7=no113)

1884/10/07, Boudin from Trouville to Durand-Ruel:
A more extended letter mentions he is hindered to go to Paris. He asks to ‘pay off our term due on current 15th (510 francs)’ (R435II,p80/1=no5)

1884/11/10, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘… I’m busy to modificate some work which I want to give you, and also a large decorative pannel which I promised a long time ago to Mme Manet-Morizot (sic). … Would you be so kind to send me the article on Chavannes and also the one on Degas…’ (R435I,p288=no117)

1885:

1885, J.F. Raffaëlli from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘I want to introduce my friend, M. Octave Maus, from Brussels. M. Maus is the secretary and organisator of the nice expositions of Les XX… He’d like to have for next Februar Monet and Renoir to be partakers. … He is passionate for our impressionists.’ (R435II,p139=no1)
Note: At another moment he introduces M. Verhaeren from Brussels, a great admirer of Degas, Monet and Renoir (letter 2).

1885/01/14, Gauguin to Emile Schuffenecker, from Copenhagen:
Note: info will follow (R36,p132)

1885/01/20, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m in the snow untill my neck, I’m completely into making a serie, I have only one fear, that the weather will change, so I haste myself to work firmly.’ (R435I,p289=no118)

1885/06/09, Durand-Ruel from Paris to Pissarro:
‘I’m always worried about business. Annoyance, that’s all there is to it. I want to be free and go in the desert…’ (R435II,p248=no5)

1885/06/10ca, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Concerning Portier and Degas, without doubt you don’t remember, but several times I’ve expressed my desire to have some.’ (R435I,p292=no125)

1885/06/12, Sisley from Sablons to Durand-Ruel:
‘Guillemet is here in Sablons’ (R435II,p60=no9)

1885/06/18, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m going to be absent for 3 days with Caillebotte, who is in the neighbourhood.’  (R435I,p292/3=no126)

1885/06/20, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘In line with your wish I haven’t done anything wit Heyman and Portier, in spite of their desire.’  (R435I,p293=no127)

1885, July, Renoir from Wargemont to Durand-Ruel:
‘Hereby my address: Renoir, at Château de Wargemonet, Commune de Graincourt near Dieppe (S.-L.) (R435I,p130=no20)

1885/07/23, Durand-Ruel to Sisley:
Durand-Ruel asks Sisley to make and send small canvasses, size 5 (27×35) or 6 (27×41) (R166,p42+52,note65)

1885, August, Renoir from La Roche-Guyon to Durand-Ruel:
‘I beg you, don’t visit me again. I work alot…’ (R435I,p131/2=no21)

1885, August, Degas from Paramé to Durand-Ruel:
Degas asks to send him some money to ‘Grand Hôtel de Paramé, near Saint-Malo’. (R435II,p101=no9)

1885/09/16, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m leaving for Rouen and from there we will go to Etretat (to maison Faure).’  (R435I,p295/6=no133)

1885, September or October, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir again asks for some money and promises to take some paintings. (R435I,p132=no23)

1885, October, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
‘… isn’t it preferrable for the Americans, to send some older works, such as les Canotiers, La Loge, and les Pêcheurs de moules.’ (R435I,p133=no24)

1885/10/02, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
A more extended letter, responding the letter of 4 September. ‘And then the public is so hard to convince, it’s become so hesitant in the midst of this diffusion of talent and schools!’ In the P.s. Boudin writes ‘You have I think had a visit form my friend Ribot…’ (R435II,p81/2=6)

1885/10/28, Monet from Hôtel Blanquet, Etretat to Durand-Ruel:
‘What surprises me is that Petit is always against you, especially when it comes to us.’ (R435I,p297=no135)

1885, November, Renoir from Wargemont to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve reread your letter to l’Evénement.’ (R435I,p134=no26)

1885/11/05, Durand-Ruel ‘letter on the false paintings’ to the director of ?:
A letter published in l’Evénément, the last in a serie discussions between art-dealers. (R435II,p249-252=no6)

1885/11/05, Monet from Etretat to Octave Maus:
Monet gladly accepts the invitating for exhibiting with Les XX, ‘I would like to show 5 works’. (R435II,p223=no1)

1885/11/07, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
‘Your two letters in L’Evénement are very good.’ (R166,p43)

1885/11/17, Sisley to Durand-Ruel:
Sisley writes that with the received 200fr he can’t pay of his buther and grocer. ‘I am at my wit’s end.’ (R166,p42/43)

1885/11/30, Renoir from Paris, 37, Rue de Laval, to Octave Maus:
Renoir writes he eagerly accepts the invitating for the next exposition of Les XX. He promises to render the titles of his paintings. (R435II,p227=no1)

1885, around December, Pissarro to Monet:
Pissarro writes he saw Sisley last Monday. He proposed to organise an exhibition ‘selling over Durand’s head’. (…) ‘But the expense of organising it all!’ (R166,p43;R434I,p357/8=no298)

1885/12/10, Monet from Etretat to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m terrified in learning that several of his fellow enemies have offered M. Petit to sell them all he posesses of our paintings so to put them unframed in a public sale as a reprisal against you… Petit has assured me saying that more than ever he counts for me to join his exposition in the month of May*… For the rest I think it’s not bad in the eyes of the public and the art-lovers we don’t give the impression of being completely under your guardianship and in your hands… That’s not only my advice, but also that of Pissarro and of Sisley who have talked to me about it… (…) On the exposition of the 20 in Brussels**, it’s better for you to stay outside and for me to do it in my name, asking you 1 or 2 paintings that lack, and in the same way Petit.’ (R435I,p300-302=no140)
Note*: meaning the 5th Exposition Internationale des Peinture (et de Sculpture). Renoir also joined in 1886, Pissarro and Sisley in 1887 for the first time.
Note**: meaning the 3rd Salon of Les Vingts (=Les XX) in 1886. Renoir also joined in 1886. Pissarro in 1889 and Sisley in 1891 for the first time.

1885/12/17, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have never had the intention of leaving you nor my friends… our interests are the same… but I have never said that Pissarro, Sisley and I, want to operate on our own.’ (R435I,p302-304=no141)

1885/12/21, Murer from Auvers to Dr. Gachet:
Murer writes about Loutte being ill and about the animals in his house of which Murer takes care in the winter. As he even does he informs after Mlle Chevalier. (R218)

 

1886:

1886/01/03, Renoir to Octave Maus:
Renoir mentions 7 paintings as his sendings (for Les XX) and hopes for an additional 2 more works. (R435II,p227)
The next day he sends a correction. (p228) And later another one (p229)

1886/01/03, Renoir from Paris to Octave Maus:
Renoir renders the titles of 7 works for the exposition of Les XX and mentions two additional works. (R435II,p227/8=no2)
Note: the next day he makes an adjustement and renders 8 titles (letter 3). A bit later he again made some adjustments (letter 4).

1886/01/11, Monet from Giverny to Octave Maus:
Monet sends a catalogue of his works (for the exhibition at Les XX), that will be send afterwards by M. Petit and Durand-Durel, ’10 pictures maybe is a bit much’. He urges to exhibit anyway the work owned by Fauré. (R435II,p224=no2)

1886/01/11, Gauguin from Copenhagen to Schuffenecker:
To the great artist ‘flow the most subtle, and therefore the least tangible sensations and messages tot the brains’. (…) The straight line renders the infinite, the curved line bounds creation… There are noble tones (of colour) and every day tones, calm, conforting and also because of there boldness tantalizing harmonies. (…) Cézanne, the uncomprehended… loves something mysterious in form and of the heavy rest of a human who has layed down to dream; his colour is heavy…’ (R36,p132)

1886/01/21, Renoir from Paris to Octave Maus:
Renoir informs that a box with 3 small portraits are on the way. He asks to return it to: M. Paul Bérard, 20, rue Pigalle, Paris. (R435II,p229=no5)
Note: in the next letter he corrects this, all paintings can be send to Durand-Ruel (letter 6).

1886/03/26, Monet from Giverny to Octave Maus:
Monet mentions he is not able to visit the exposition in Brussels (of Les XX) and asks how it was. ‘I will not be surprised when it was a failure, knowing by a long experience how much trouble we had to make ourselves accepted here by a very small number; so it is very courageous of you to show our works…’ (R435II,p224/5=no3)

1886/04/17, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel fils:
‘I’ve asked your father several times to set up my account… The latest account statement he gave me stops at 2 July 85.’ (R435I,p310=no150)

1886/05/28,  Camille Pissarro from Éragny-sur-Epte par Gisors (Eure) to Dr. de Bellio:
Pissarro writes about his health and that of his daughter Jeanne. Ending with ‘I will soon have the pleasure of meeting you in Paris, I can’t wait to see the effect of the painting of Monet at Petit, that must be splendid.’ (R218)

1886/06/21, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel fils:
‘Since a very long time already M. Troisgros, my colour merchand, asks me to pay his bill of the year 85. Your father always takes care of this… thanks to the exposition at Petit, I could have done very good buisiness…’ (R435I,p314=no155)

1886/06/25, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel fils?:
In a shorter letter Boudin asks if it is ‘possible to fit us into any sum of money’. (R435II,p82=7)

1886, July, Gauguin from Pont-Aven to his wife Mette (in Copenhagen):
‘One sees me as the greatest artist of Pont-Aven. But I don’t earn an extra penny with it.’ (R36,p132)

1886/07/07, Camille Pissarro from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro renders the price list he hopes to receive for his art-works, varying from 3.000fr to 200fr for a drawing. (R435II,p21/2=no27)

1886/07/13, Renoir from La Roche-Guyon to Durand-Ruel:
‘I won’t return to Paris but the 14th or even the 19th.’ (R435I,p134/5=no27)

1886, August, Renoir from Saint-Briac to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m here for two months. … Maison Perrette, at La Chapelle-Saint-Briac (Ile-et-Vilaine)’ (R435I,p135=no29)

1886, August, Renoir from Saint-Briac to Durand-Ruel:
‘… returning around the 25th of September, I can render excellents works at last the 19th of October.’ (R435I,p136=no30)

1886/08/21, Durand-Ruel to Fantin-Latour:
‘Don’t think the Americans are savages. … I have a lot of success with the paintings one had appreciated in Paris for 20 years. I have sold works of Monet, Renoir, Brown and several others… Now I am organising my new exposition that will open the 15th of October…’ (R435II,p252=no7)

1886, September, Renoir from Saint-Briac to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m busy finishing two figure paintings, canvas of 15. I think I have finished before the 27th and to render it to you the 28th… I have begged you to send me 300 frans for my return… the 15th of October.’ (R435I,p137=no32)

1886/09/10ca, Monet from (Hôtel de France) Le Galais, Belle-Île-en-Mer (Morbihan) to Durand-Ruel:
‘…they have always been delivered by M. Dubourg at Potier for the exposition at Grenoble. …I was sent a painting which I know belongs to Mme Manet.’ (R435I,p318=no161)

1886/09/25, Monet from Kervilahen, Belle-Île-en-Mer (Morbihan) to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve settled in this little hamlet… the surroundings are very beautiful and very wild, but the sea is incomparatively beautiful with fantastic rocks. … I’am working here 8 à 10 hours a day or more. …Renoir has written me…’ (R435I,p318/9=no162)

1886/09/15, Wednessday, Vignon from Jouy-le-Comte to Murer:
Vignon wrote ‘I need 100fr…’ (R218,V1)

1886/10/15, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
Boudin refers to his trip to America and is glad to have been of help. He mentions he will  be in Paris only by the end of the month. ‘Concerning my animal paintings, I have put them aside since two years because the sale his stopped, but I will try to resume some…’  (R435II,p83=8)

1886/11/06, Camille Pissarro from Éragny to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro writes about an article of Félix Fénéon and modern art theories. (R435II,p24/5=no29a)

End of 1886, Pissarro from Éragny to Octave Maus:
‘I gladly accept your kind invitation for the exposition of les Vingt in Brussels.’ (R435II,p232=no1)

 

 

Sources and notifications:
See at the bottom of the first page on the correspondence.

 

Recommanded citation: “Impressionism: Correspondence between the impressionists from year to year (1874-1886); an overview. Last modified 2026/07/27. https://www.impressionism.nl/correspondence-1874-1886/”

 

Note1: additional letters will be added.

 

Note2: I’ve cited quite extensive several sources. When this is too much, please let me known, than I will adjust it. It is my goal to give an overall view of the known correspondance and I hope that the interested reader will consult the sources I used.