Meta-Impressionism:
Correspondence
Paul Durand-Ruel
Introduction:
Paul Durand-Ruel was the most important art-dealer for the Impressionists. There is an extended correspondence known between him and impressionists like Monet, Pissarro, Renoir and Sisley. There is one letter known written in 1871, but the more intensive correspondence starts in 1881. On this page you will find excerpts from several of these letters in a chronological order.
Note: some notes will be added below the letter by an *; some at the end of the year by an #.
Note: more correspondence will be added in the future, namely after 1877.
1871:
1871/01/21, Durand-Ruel to Camille Pissarro:
Society of French Artists; 168, New Bond Street, London W.
Tell me the price for your charming painting. ‘Your friend Monet has asked for your address. … He himself dwells Bath Place no.1, Kensington.’ (R435II,p247/8=3)
1876:
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)
1881:
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)
1881/02/15, 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 house, 20, rue de Vintimille. (R435I,p219=no2)
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 to 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)
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)
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)
1881/06/06, Sisley from Ryde, Ile de Wight to Durand-Ruel(?):
Writing on his holiday (R435II,p55=no1)
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)
1881/11/20, 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 ook 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…’ (R435I,p226=no15)
Note#: This refers to the preparations for the 6th ‘impressionist’ exposition.
1882:
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)
1882/02/06, Monet from Hôtel Victoria, Dieppe to Durand-Ruel:
‘You must have, or you will receive the two larges paintings that I promised’ (R435I,p226/7=no17)
1882/02/10, Monet from 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)
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)
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 want 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)
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)
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, 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 informs after the sale at the exposition# and mentions the good article of Chesnau. (R435I,p231=no22)
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 exhibition 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.
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)
1883/05/31, 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)
1883/07/15, 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)
1883/11/21, 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 (sic), 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)
1884/01/23, 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)
1884/03/09, Sisley from Sablons to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have received the 200fr that you have send me. There is nothing more disagreable 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 Château 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)
1884/10/?, 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).
1885/01/20, 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)
1885/11/07, 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)
1885/12/10, 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)
1886:
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)
1886/06/21, 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)
1886/07/13, 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)
1886/10/15, 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)
1887:
1887?, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘I send you the large one (La femme devant la glace) this afternoon.’ He asks to send 1.500fr ‘for my terms (’termes’) of the 15th… I’ve made a pastel for Delorière, the merchant that has assigned me the Gavarni.’ (R435II,p102=no11; =p208)
1887/01/14, Camille Pissarro from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘The 15th ends the exposition in Nantes, I’ll be receiving these canvases shortly, one of 15, of 20 and of 25.’ (R435II,p25/6=no31;R434II,no380)
1887/05/12, Renoir from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘The exposition at Petit is open and is quite successful.’ (R435I,p137/8=no33)
1887/05/13, Monet to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am convinced that you would have done better to stay here, where you deserved to succeed. (…) More or less all of us are at the Exposition Internationale, where the buying public is giving us a decidedly warmer reception… The firm of Boussod now has works by Degas and Monet, and … will also have Sisleys and Renoirs… Sisley is having a great success with old work.’ (R166,p46)
1887/07/25, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
Boudin congratulates Durand-ruel with his Salon in the United States. (R435II,p83/4=9)
1887/09/19, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
Boudin hopes that his paintings will charm the clients of Durand-Ruel (also in New York). He has done some animal paintings in the same measurements as Troyon. He asks to ’to pay our October term’. (R435II,p84/5=10)
1887/11/09, Puvis de Chavannes from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Puvis renders a list with titles and the prices varying from 500 till 12.000 and an average of about 6.000fr. (R435II,p95=5)
1888:
1888, the End of January, Renoir from Jas-de-Bouflan, Aix-en-Provence to Charles Durand-Ruel:
Can you send me 200 or 300 francs? (R435I,p138/9=34)
1888, end of February, Renoir from Hôtel Rouget, Martigues (Bouches-de-Rhône) to Durand-Ruel fils:
‘I need 500 francs…’ (R435I,p139=no35)
1888, March, Renoir from Martigues to Durand-Ruel:
‘… I received a letter from Louveciennes. Ma mother has a chest inflammation…’ (R435I,p139/140=no36)
1888/03/30, Boudin to Durand-Ruel:
Boudin renders a list of 14 paintings and 9 sized 6. He also notes 6 pannels size 5 and 12 size 3 (studies), all marines. (R435II,p85/6=no11)
1888, April, Monet from Château de la Pinede, near Antibes to Durand-Ruel:
‘Concerning your question on the exposition, I haven’t told anymore in regard of the rue de Sèze…’ (R435I,p326/7=no172)
1888/05/06, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘…I withdraw from all exhibition projects on rue Lafitte. (…) You have mentioned to me a price for the location of 5.000fr and I learned from Renoir that you have payed but 4.000fr. to M. Van Beers.’ (R435I,p327=no173)
1888/05/17, Sisley from Sablons to Durand-Ruel:
Summing up the list of paintings and pastels for his exposition 1888/05/25 till 06/25 (also with works of Renoir and Pissarro). (R435II,p62=no14)
1888/07/20, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
Boudin writes on his animals paintings which he has left softly, but will retake it more later. (R435II,p86=no12)
1888/12/10, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will return by the end of the month and I will take care of this exposition. … who are the exhibitants?’ (R435I,p140=no37)
1888/12/26, Desboutin from Geneva Durand-Ruel:
Extended letter also referring to his ‘séries de Fragonard’, the bankruptcy of Maison Cadart in 1881, during his first year in Nice. He announces to return to Paris next Spring. (R435II,p72-74=no1)
1888/12/31, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I think I will return Thursday evening, if my neuralgia allows it. Half my face feels like it’s paralyzed. I can’t sleep nor eat. Friday morning I will bring my belongings to the rue de Rome. … I assume you are closed at rue Laffitte’ (R435I,p140/1=no38)
1889:
1889/02/28, Desboutin from Geneva to Durand-Ruel:
Again an extended letter, also referring to 180 prints now to be seen in a room of the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Geneva. ‘It’s the first time, that I … show this body of my engraving oeuvre…’. (R435II,p74/75=no2)
1889/05/01, Monet from Fresselines (Creuse) to Durand-Ruel:
‘It is now two months since I enterred this countryside… (…) It concerns an exposition I have excepted to do at Petit, me the only painter and Rodin the sculptor. It’s a big thing. An exposition lasting 3 months during the exposition universelle and in view of the foreign public that will be in Paris.’ (R435I,p330/1=no178)
1889/10/07, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
‘… I’m laying my last hand on several animal paintings… I would be grateful if you would pay my term of the 15th, i.e. 510 francs, which I will credit to your account. I haven’t much news on our exposition. M. Van der Velde only … has acquired two small drawings. … I hope that our success is not limited to this.’ (R435II,p86/7=no13)
1889/10/10, Degas from Darcey (Côte-d’Or) to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will be back in Paris Saturday or Sunday… It seems that the poor Brown wants to revive.’ (R435II,p103=no13)
1890/02/02, Sisley from Moret to Durand-Ruel:
‘You can count on me for the exposition of peintres-graveurs*.’ (R435II,p63=no15)
Note*: the 2nd exposition where Sisley showed 3 paintings and 1 etch.
1890/07/04, Boudin from Berck to Durand-Ruel:
Boudin refers to an exposition in Le Havre. (R435II,p87=no14)
1890/11/15, Camille Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
‘I received a letter from the Ministère des Beaux-Arts concerning the engravings sold by intermediation of Burty. It seems that the administration only owes me 89fr. for the following two prints: 1. Prairies et Moulin; 2. Vue de Pontoise. I answered M. Laronnet that I have written M. Burty that the price for the 3 prints is 150fr and that I maintain my price.’ (R435II,p29/30=no39)
1890/11/30, Camille Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro mentions he is ending 5 fans which are priced 200fr each. (R435II,p30=no40)
1891:
1891, Cassatt from Château de Bachevilliers, near Chaumont-en-Vexin (Oise) to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt asks if a Miss Paget, an English writer, could see his private collection and the one of Fauré. ‘(She) is most anxious to see some of Degas‘ pictures.’ (R435II,p114=no1)
1891, February, Renoir from Villa des Roses, Tamaris-sur-Mer (Var) to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve installed myself in this delicious landscape for a month… I am here with Wyzewa.’ (R435I,p142=no41)
1891/03/21, Renoir from Tamaris-sur-Mer to Durand-Ruel:
‘My case will be with you Monday morning. I haven’t paid the portal. There are in it 8 paintings, of which only two are possible.’ (R435I,p144/5=no46)
1891/03/21, Renoir from Tamaris-sur-Mer to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve seen Fréjus, which one says is quite nice. … can you send me money till the 15th or the 20th of April at last.’ (R435I,p145=no47)
1891, early April, Renoir from Le Lavandou to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have come to Lavandou invited by a letter of Mme Adam, who has an estate here. … I will send you a small heas of a child, for the Brown sale…’ (R435I,p146=no49)
Note: the 15th he gives as address: Lavandou, via Bormes (Var.), Hôtel des Etrangers (letter 50).
1891/04/13, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘So it are 12 frames that you must have before the 2nd or 3rd of May: 6 frames of 30 bass, 92 by 65, of which one white; 5 frames messuring 1 meter by 60, of which one white; 1 frame messuring 1 meter by 65.’ (R435I,p336=no189)
1891/04/23, Renoir from Le Lavandou to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks him to send 100fr to Nîmes (Gard.). He expects to return the 29th, thinking the sale of Brown is the 2nd of May. He stays another two days to finish an interesting study, but maybe he has to finish it in Paris. (R435I,p148=no52)
1891/04/28, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘As I have said, there are 22 paintings which I will have exhibited, including a serie of 15 pictures (Meules). I hope that my Geffroy has also given you his preface… I also like you to take the painting to M. Paul Gallimard and another to M. G. Clemenceau, 12, rue Clément-Marot.’ (R435I,p337/8=no191)
1891/08/18, Sisley from Moret to Durand-Ruel:
I his last letter to Durand-Ruel Sisley wrote: ‘I have heard in a completely accidental way that there is a painting of mine at an exposition in Munich. Is it you that send it?’ (R435II,p63=no16)
1891/09/?, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Degas asks to send 570fr to M. Chéramy, ‘it’s for a term of 550…’ (R435II,p104=no15)
1891/10/19, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I therefore urge you to take messures to render me the som of 20.000fr which I need to pay 25% of the purchase of my house.’ (R435I,p340=no195)
1892:
1892/01/13, Camille Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro mentions paintings meant for his solo-exposition in February. (R435II,p32=no44) The 19th he renders a more extended list (=no46). the 21th of March he adds some prices for a lady Monjon, living 18, rue Meslay, being an painter, who has connections with interested Americans (=no47); Pissarro knows here for a long time.
1892/02/18, Cassatt from Villa Sainte-Anne, Cap d’Antibes to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes about a misunderstanding on the sale of her engravings. ‘But I am still very much disappointed that my compatriots have so little liking for any of my work. (…) We don not return to Paris until April. I hope to come here next winter and do some etchings. It is such a lovely place.’ (R435II,p114/5=no2)
1892/02/21, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Without doubt you assumed I was fully at work at Rouen. Indeed I’ve been there… but I returned sick here 8 days ago. …the small exposition of the Poplars. …I hope that the exposition of Pissarro ended well…’ (R435I,p341/2=no198)
1892/02/21, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will leave tomorrow morning for Rouen (hôtel d’Angleterre) untill Saturday.’ (R435I,p342=no199)
Note: in fact Monet would stay longer, the 13th of April he send his last letter from Rouen (no.202).
1892/05/04, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will be Friday in Paris for the exposition of Renoir of which I treat myself.’ (R435I,p345=no203)
1892/06/10, Camille Pissarro from London to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am very busy right now at Kew Garden where I have fond a serie of magnificent motifs…’ (R435II,p35=no48)
1892/08/02, Camille Pissarro from Kew Green, 1 Gloucester Terrace to Durand-Ruel:
‘I expect to leave England the 12th…’ (R435II,p36/7=no51)
1892/08/29, Renoir from Châlet des Rochers, Pornic (Loire-Inférieure) to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to send 1.000fr. (R435I,p148=no53)
1892/09/15, Alfred Stevens from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
In the only letter known of Stevens to Durand-Ruel, he presents M. R. de Groux, a young befriended painter, 15, avenue Frochot. (R435II,p76)
1892/10/13, Renoir from Hôtel des Voyageurs, Pont-Aven (Finistère) to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir writes he will return soon and asks for 500fr. (R435I,p149=no54)
1892/10/16, Pissarro from Eragny to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro renders a list with paintings meant for a solo exposition (March 1893). (R435II,p37=no52)
1892/11/23, Pissarro from Eragny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Rouart has written me concerning the subscription of Lépine; would you send him 50fr from me; is that sufficiant?’ (R435II,p38=no53)
1892/12/12, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Pissarro wrote me that I’ll be able to get 7.000fr from him on a sum I lent him. I’ll be happy to get my hands on them.’ (R435I,p347=no207)
1893:
1893/03/23, Monet from Rouen to Durand-Ruel:
‘Here the notes and indications that I have give M. Sargent.’ Monet renders 2 titles for an exposition. (R435I,p348=no209)
1893/03/30, Monet from Rouen to Durand-Ruel:
‘You would be very kind to send me my Cézanne and the flower painting that M. Martial Caillebotte had to deposit with you for me.’ (R435I,p349=no210)
1893/04/10, Boudin from Antibes to Durand-Ruel:
He had finished less for the Salon, than he hoped for. (R435II,p88/9=15)
1893/04/30, Renoir from Beaulieu to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir mentions he will return within a few days. ‘I find my studies both good and bad.’ (R435I,p149=no55)
1893/04/10, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will make a trip on the Seine and at the coast of Dieppe. (R435II,p89/90=16)
1893/08/31, Renoir from (Hôtel des Voyageurs), Pont-Aven (Finistère) to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will be back in Paris Sunday to vote.’ (R435I,p151=no59)
Note: Renoir was a large part of August in Pont-Aven and did send another 3 letters to Durand-Ruel (no.56+57+58)
1894:
1894/04/12, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘… what worries me is the exposition of Caillebotte, his brother had written me it would take place at the end of May. What to do, because it will hardly be possible for me to be ready earlier?’ (R435I,p350=no213)
1894/05/27, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I expect to go to Paris to help Renoir and Martial Caillebotte with the hanging of the paintings, and I would like to know when I arrive Thursday the 31th I will still be able to see the exposition of Manet. (R435I,p353/4=no219)
1894/11/24, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘You haven’t forget that next Friday 30 Nov. M. de Montauzan comes to receive 1.000 francs with you (affair of Delacroix).’ (R435II,p104=no16)
1895:
1895/01/21, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘…I will leave next Monday for Norway. (R435I,p355=no222)
1895/05/05, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet reminds Durand-Ruel to collect some paintings of his at several art-collectors. (R435I,p357=no225)
1895/06/07, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks Durand-Ruel to return paintings to several art-collectors. (R435I,p358/9=no227)
1895/09/29, Boudin from Deauville to Durand-Ruel:
In this extended (and last) letter, Boudin mentions he was in Venice ‘painting in a warm climate during two great months. …I have no desire to enlargen my reputation. …. I know that you have always thought to reduce or better to limit my production, and to do what you did with Monet and some others, but our temparements are different. My production is quite large… Your project to organise an exposition with my paintings is very praiseworthy. …but haven’t you already successfully shown me? …haven’t we tired the public enough with my sketches and studies?’. (R435II,p90-92=17)
1896:
1896/02/25, Monet from Pourville via Offranville to Durand-Ruel:
‘…you will be send a box containing 3 paintings of Mme Manet-Morizot (sic), which I have promised for the exposition that will take place in March. I have installed here since a few days…’ (R435I,p360/1=no229)
1896/12/30, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘… regarding the exposition in Stockholm, because having received a letter from Prince Eugène whom I acquinted in Christiania and who is the patron of this exposition…’ (R435I,p363/4=no232)
1897:
1897/04/01, Monet from Pourville to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks to send his 4 works of Morizot (sic), 3 of Cézanne and a painting bought back at the sale of Gauzet. He hopes to return home on Sunday. (R435I,p366=no236)
1897/05/10, Pissarro from 62, Bath road, Bedford square, London to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve send you two boxes with paintings from Eragny.’ (R435II,p42=no64)
1898:
1898/05/28, Camille Pissarro from Eragny-Bazincourt to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro sends a list of persons to be invited for his exposition (starting the 1st of June). (R435II,p43=no65)
1898/08/30, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘Don’t deprive me of the little copy of Ingres.’ (R435II,p105=no18; p222)
1899:
1899/02/21, Renoir from (Hôtel Savournin), Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘All’s well apart from that nagging rheumatism. I think… that when I return, we can all cry out: Vive Loubet.’ (R435I,p151=no60)
1899, Februar, Renoir from Nice to Durand-Ruel:
‘I went to see Deudon.’ Renoir invites him to come, together with Bérard. (R435I,p152=no62)
1899/03/02, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have received a letter from Bérard; Duret has received from him a word for Deudon, – for the Bernheim-Jeunes. He would have preferred Dreyfus…’ (R435I,p153=no63)
Note: Renoir later (the 5th) renders the address of Deudon: Villa des Palmiers, avenue Auber, Nice (=no64).
1899/03/17, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet refers to the benefit sale the 1st of May at Galerie Petit for the children of Sisley. He asks Durand-Ruel to also invite Degas to contribute. He ends with ‘I hope you have good news of Renoir‘. (R435I,p368=no240)
1899/08/02, Degas from Paris to Joseph Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m worried about Berthe Morisot.’ (R435II,p105=no19; R440,p222)
1899/08/29, Renoir from Acqui(?) to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir espects to be in Saint-Cloud within 12 days. (R435I,p155=no68)
1899/11/25, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘M. Pierre Sisley will deliver you a carton containing a pastel and drawing of Renoir, a pastel of Jongkind, a study of Fantin and an old pastel of mine. … in the carton I will also put a pastel of Sisley. It is this one who is a bit torn.’ (R435I,p369/370=no242)
1899/12/29, Renoir from hôtel Muraour, Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to send his head of Jean Renoir, which is in his house 33, rue de la Rochefoucauld, to Musée de Limoges. (R435I,p156=no69)
1900:
1899/03/17, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet refers to the benefit sale the 1st of May at Galerie Petit for the children of Sisley. He asks Durand-Ruel to also invite Degas to contribute. He ends with ‘I hope you have good news of Renoir‘. (R435I,p368=no240)
1899/08/02, Degas from Paris to Joseph Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m worried about Berthe Morisot.’ (R435II,p105=no19; R440,p222)
1899/08/29, Renoir from Acqui(?) to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir espects to be in Saint-Cloud within 12 days. (R435I,p155=no68)
1899/11/25, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘M. Pierre Sisley will deliver you a carton containing a pastel and drawing of Renoir, a pastel of Jongkind, a study of Fantin and an old pastel of mine. … in the carton I will also put a pastel of Sisley. It is this one who is a bit torn.’ (R435I,p369/370=no242)
1899/12/29, Renoir from hôtel Muraour, Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to send his head of Jean Renoir, which is in his house 33, rue de la Rochefoucauld, to Musée de Limoges. (R435I,p156=no69)
1900:
1900/01/04, Renoir from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to take care for the entry of his paintings to the centennial exposition#. Adrien Marx has spoken with Gallimard who is the commissioner of this exposition. He suggests Mme Charpentier and her children and Femme à la tasse de café, a painting in the Museum of Limoges. (R435I,p156/7=no71)
Note: Renoir notes the 13th as address Villa Raynaud, near Magagnosc (no72); 1900/03/16 he specifies it is 3km from Grasse on the road to Nice and mentions the he will stay till May, than will do a cure in Aix-les-Bains and then will return to Paris (no76).
1900/01/23, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet writes he sends a box and a package containing several pictures and sums them up. (…) Pissarro has, like me, written to M. Roger-Marx, informing him that we both oppose to the exposition#. You should tell Renoir to do the same. I expect to receive an invitation for his exposition at Bernheim.’ (R435I,p373/4=no247)
1900/02/17, Monet from Savoy Hôtel in London to Durand-Ruel:
‘… this satanic exposition#‘. Monet asks Durand-Ruel to inform if they are free to organise their own exposition in our own taste. ‘Next I would like to know the opinion of Renoir and Pissarro.’ (R435I,p374/5=no248)
1900/03/28, Camille Pissarro from 204, Rue de Rivoli Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro asks to send the 4 paintings he had chosen for the exposition centennale# to M. Roger Marx, Grand Palais, porte C, avenue d’Antin. (R435II,p44=no66)
1900/04/10, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve returned since 3 days… I had to leave my work in London, at first because the atmosphere and the light had changed to much, but also because I was at the end of my strength…’ He asks Durand-Ruel to pay MM. Bernheim 6.000fr for the figure painting of Renoir. (R435I,p375/6=no249)
1900/05/24, Renoir from Hôtel Crillon, Avignon to Durand-Ruel:
‘I wait for my linen returns from the launderer and will leave for Aix.’ (R435I,p160/1=no79)
1900/06/12, Renoir from Saint-Laurent-les-Bains to Durand-Ruel:
‘Soon… I return to Paris.’ (R435I,p161=no80)
1900/06/27, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m in a phase of great discouragement. … I haven’t stopped working since my return from London, but without being able to finish anything according to my taste. I have nothing interesting to look for and even less to sell…’ (R435I,p377=no252)
1900/07/12, Pissarro from Grand Hotel, Berneval near Dieppe to Durand-Ruel:
‘…there are beautiful motifs in this countryside, and at the beach there are superb Monet! I will stay in the hotel till my family arrives, around the 17th.’ (R435II,p45/6=no69)
1900/08/20 Renoir from Louveciennes to Durand-Ruel:
‘Also I hope that the house of Durand-Ruel will contribute to award me a chair pierced with honor.’ (R435I,p161=no81)
1900/10/19, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have done a serie of views on Vétheuil…’ (R435I,p378=no254)
1900/11/14, Renoir from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am attacked by letters of Madame Rambaud…’ (R435I,p161/2=no82)
1900/11/23, Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro sends an overview of 10 paintings with the total sum of 20.500fr. The prices varied from 1.500 till 2.500fr, also depending on the size. (R435II,p46=no70)
Note#: (probably) refering to the Centennial exhibition at the Exposition Universelle.
1901:
1901/01/09, Monet from Giverny to Octave Maus:
Monet writes it’s impossible to take part in his exposition because he is bound to travel to England. (R435II,p226=no6)
1901/01/25, Renoir from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to send La Femme à la Guitare to Musée de la ville de Lyon, rue Paul-Chenavard, 23. (R435I,p162=no84)
1901/02/09, Monet from Savoy Hôtel in London to Durand-Ruel:
‘… I’m full of passion, but it is difficult, so changeable above all…’ (R435I,p379/380=no256)
1901/03/05, Pissarro from 28, Place Dauphine, Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘For several days now, I’ve been undergoing minor operations on my sick eye, which prevents me from working and forces me to stay at the apartment.’ (R435II,p46=no71)
1901/05/14, Pissarro from Moret to Durand-Ruel:
‘I leave Moret tomorrow…’ (R435II,p47=no72)
1901/05/17, Pissarro from 28, Place Dauphine, Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro renders a list of 9 paintings with their prices varying from 1.000 till 3.500fr and a total of 24.000fr. ‘I have raised (the price) with 500fr…’ (R435II,p47=no73)
1901/03/12, Renoir from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will leave my studio at last next October.’ (R435I,p163/4=no87)
1901/04/13 Renoir wrote from Le Trayas (St-Raphael) (no.89), the 17th he wrote from Grasse, that he was returning to Magagnosc (no.90). In April he writes that he wife has returned to Essoyes and that Bérard is with him (no.91).
1901/04/25, Renoir from Grand Hôtel des Colonies et des Negociants, Cannes to Durand-Ruel:
‘It seems to me that last year I was paid enough to rest for a year. …I can’t supply you with 60 canvases a month.’ He writes that soon he will be in Aix-les-Bains. (R435I,p166/7=no92)
1901/07/12, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I think I will go some days to Paris around the 24th or the 25th.’ (R435I,p167=no94)
1901/08/28, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘I want to show you also a washerwoman which I am about to finish.’ (R435II,p106=no21)
1901/09/07, Renoir from Fontainebleau to Georges Durand-Ruel:
Renoir writes he is with ‘les Bernheim’ or beter with Adler, 4, rue Saint-Hororé at Fontainebleau. He will be in Paris around the 24th. (R435I,p168=no95)
1901/11/04, Pissarro to Durand-Ruel:
Pissarro renders a list of 6 paintings (serie 1901) with their prices varying from 3.000 till 4.000fr and a total of 21.000fr. (R435II,p48=no75)
1901/12/23, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m still busy with the views on London…’ (R435I,p383=no263)
1902:
1902/02/03, Renoir from Villa Printemps Le Cannet to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have installed myself… A streetcar runs between Cannes and Le Cannet every quarter of an hour. … Ma wife has arrived yesterday in good health with the two little ones. … Albert André is extremely pleasant…’ (R435I,p168/9=no96)
1902/02/03, Renoir from Le Cannet to Durand-Ruel:
‘You have seen my large painting of Louveciennes… the torso I have made two years ago in Magagnosc… If you good send me 1.000 francs…’ (R435I,p169/170=no98)
1902/02/16, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet renders 3 titles of his Vétheuil paintings. ‘Their price is 8.000fr, just like I have sold them to M. Bernheim, and like M. Valadon.’ (R435I,p384=no264)
1902/05/23, Pissarro from Moret-sur-Loing, 28, Rue de la Pecherie, to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am here in Moret for some time…’ (R435II,p49=no78)
1902/06/13, Renoir from 43, rue Caulaincourt, Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to send 2.500fr to M. Gérot Félicien, contractor at Bar-sur-Seine (Aube). (R435I,p171=no100)
1902/07/18, Pissarro from Hotel du Commerce, Dieppe, to Durand-Ruel:
‘I am working now on the quays de la Poissonnerie…’ (R435II,p49/50=no79)
1902/09/01, Pissarro from Dieppe, to Durand-Ruel:
‘There is now desperate weather, but gladly I have a window on the Bassins that permit me to work anyway.’ (R435II,p50=no80)
1902/09/01, Pissarro from Dieppe, to Durand-Ruel:
‘My son has written me that you have made an agreement with the Bernheims and chosen the following works (he sums up 4 paintings). The prices are the same as last year… canvases size 25 for 3.500fr and the small canvases size 15 for 2.000fr.’ ‘ (R435II,p50=no81)
1903:
1903/01/18, Pissarro from Paris, to Durand-Ruel:
In his last letter to Durand-Ruel Pisarro wrote that he didn’t accept the price given (for the Dieppe serie. (R435II,p52=no86)
1903/02/12, Renoir from Le Cannet to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve forgotten to render something for the sale of Vignon.’ (R435I,p171/2=no102)
1903/03/11, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘When should I send in for the Vignon sale?’ (R435I,p387/8=no271)
1903/03/31, Renoir from Le Cannet to Durand-Ruel:
‘I send Pierre next Thursday looking for 200 francs from you, so he can come and join the feast of Easter with us.’ (R435I,p172=no103)
1903/05/19, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks for 2.000fr. ‘I’m going to leave Cagnes within 18 days, I will stay a while with Albert André at Laudun and will be in Paris the 15th of June, I think.’ (R435I,p173=no107)
1903/11/13, Renoir from Grand Hôtel Beauvau, Marseille to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have a superb and warm time…’ (R435I,p174=no108)
1903/12/28, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘Concerning the exposition of Pissarro, until further notice I’ll take care of it, in agreement with Mme Pissarro and his son Lucien…’ (R435I,p390/1=no276)
1904:
1904, Cassatt from Mesnil-Beaufresne, near Fresneaux-Montchevreuil (Oise) to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt ask on behalf of M. Havemeyer for a photograph and the price of the head by Degas. ‘They liked the Goyas very much…’ (R435II,p116=no4)
Note: in letter 5 and 6 she also writes on behalf of the Havemeyers.
1904/01/13, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I don’t know if you have any news on my complaint to the Prosecutor.’ (R435I,p177=no117)
1904/04/15, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I think I can exhibit 35 à 40 and we might be able te open the exposition the 6th of May. … I hope the good exposition of Pissarro had been successful.’ (R435I,p392=no279)
1904/04/29, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m busy to send you 3 boxes containting 16 paintings…’ As postscriptum he wrote: ‘Mister Claude Monet asks you to render the honour to come to see his recent works -a serie of views on the Thames in London (of 1900 à 1904)- exhibited Monday 9 May till Saterday 4 June in the galleries of MM. Durand-Ruel, 16, rue Lafitte.’ (R435I,p393/4=no280)
1904/08/10, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Degas asks for 4.000fr, 3.500fr is for ’the person to whom little Brame had to sell his claim on me.’ (R435II,p106=no22)
1904/08/11, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I will leave tomorrow for Bourbonne-les-Bains.’ (R435I,p181=no127)
1904, September, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to replace the two nude torsos for two still-lifes: “prunes” and “melon” for the Salon d’Automne. (R435I,p183=no132)
1904/12/08, Monet from Savoy Hôtel in London to Durand-Ruel:
‘I must admit I’m surprised that I decided to expose my London here…’ (R435I,p398/9=no289)
1905:
1905/11/10, Cassatt from Mesnil-Beaufresne to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt asks the remaining 7.000 of the 15.000fr for delivered paintings. She also writes about an article by M. Manzi. (R435II,p118/9=no7)
1905/12/26, Cassatt from Mesnil-Beaufresne to Durand-Ruel:
As in the letters 8 and 9 Cassatt mediates for M. Havemeyer and other American art-collectors, as she will do in letter 11 and 12. (R435II,p121=no10)
1906:
1906/06/13, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet asks to send a cheque of 60.000fr. ‘I see in the newspapers that you had bad sales at the Depeaux sale.’ (R435I,p406=no301)
1906/09/20, Renoir from Essoyes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I send you a box with a painting for the Salon d’Automne.’ (R435I,p186/7=no141)
1906/10/12, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘I again count on you for Monday, the sacred term (2.000).’ (R435II,p107=no25)
1906/10/29, Renoir from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘I received from M. Gustave Cohen, 61, rue des Petits-Champs, a request for the price of the nude no.1469 at the Salon d’Automne; will you see what it is.’ (R435I,p187=no142)
1906/11/30, Mary Cassatt to Durand-Ruel:
‘I know that Whistler and Rodin are presidents of the Exposition Internationale in London.’ In an earlier letter (no.13) she asked ‘not to exhibit my paintings at the Internationale. … most exhibitants are member of the Société National‘. (R435II,p123/4=14)
1906/12/09, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘If you want another torso for the same price: 8.000 and the landscape 4.000, you can take them.’ (R435I,p187/8=no144)
1907:
1907/04/27, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘How I am disappointed not being able to exhibit a serie of Waterlelies this year.’ (R435I,p409/410=no307)
1907/05/31, J.F. Raffaëlli from Paris Durand-Ruel:
Raffaëlli thanks for the disposal of one of his rooms for a benefit sale for widows and children of artists, organised by Miss Cassatt, Mme Pissarro and M. Vollard. The number of works was still very large. (R435II,p140=no3)
1907/09/20, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘…you will receive a box of paintings which I take to the Salon d’Automne. Knowing: the “Negro” of Cézanne and four B. Morizot (sic): “Le bain”, “La jatte de lait”, “Jeune fille au chien” and “Bateau de plaisance à Cower”.’ (R435I,p410/1=no309)
1907/12/21, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have given autorisation to M. Davaut (?). 9, rue Ampère, to take 3 paintings from you for an exhibition in London.’ (R435I,p189=no149)
1908:
1908/01/23, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I received a long and very friendly letter of M. Dubufe, vice-president of the Comité de l’Exposition Franco-anglaise, insisting me to exhibit 3 of my best paintings. But before I answer I liked to know what you think, if you send in works of Renoir…’ (R435I,p411=no311)
Note: In this letter Monet identifies Victor Jacquemont as being portrait in CR54 (R22).
1908/03/24, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I don’t know if I should accept a new honour to be part of the Société Royale de Bruxelles.’ (R435I,p191=no153)
1908/04/13, Degas from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘As always I count on you for the 15th. Will you be so kind to reserve 2.000fr and to send it tomorrow Tuesday.’ (R435II,p107/8=no26)
1908, Autumn, Cassatt from Mesnil-Beaufresne to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes on her solo exhibition at Durand-Ruel from 3-28 November, where 23 paintings and 45 pastels were exhibited. She mentions suitable works and who owns them. (R435II,p125=no15)
1908/10/19, Monet from Grand Hotel Britannia in Venice to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m in awe of Venice…’ (R435I,p417=no320)
1909:
1909/01/06, Renoir from Cagnes to Georges Durand-Ruel:
‘Would you tell your father to send nothing to the Libre Esthétique…’ (R435I,p193=no159)
1909/02/11, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘At the Libre Esthétique they only like works of Van Gogh and Gauguin.’ (R435I,p193/4=no160)
1909/02/11, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have announced MM. Bernheim that, in agreement with you, the exposition of the serie of Waterlelies will definitedly will take place the 5th of May…’ (R435I,p419/420=no324)
1909/02/11, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘I admire Monet that he can make in such a short time interesting things.’ (R435I,p194=no161)
1909/06/08, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘If M. Cassirer is going to organise an exposition with my water landscapes, that he gets along with you and MM. Bernheim and buying the others; … I refuse absolutely to send in my paintings here and there…’ (R435I,p423/4=no330)
1910:
1910/02/20, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to render 500fr to Mme Julie Manet-Rouart on behalf of the widow Mme Vignon. (R435I,p196=no165)
1910/03/01, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘Would you choose 3 beautiful pictures for the Exposition in Brussels*. The reclining nude woman, among others. I have been urged by everyone to send in to this exposition: Dujardin-Beaumetz, etc.’ (R435I,p196=no166)
Note*: probably for the 17th exposition de la Libre Estétique called “L’Évolution du paysage”; 3 works of Renoir were exhibited.
1910/10/22, Renoir from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to hand over 40.000fr to the Société La Marseillaise, 4, rue Aubert, Paris. (R435I,p198=no170)
1911:
1911/01/11, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
‘We will have for some days the son of Cézanne and his mother.’ (R435I,p199=no173)
1911/02/25, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to hand over 19.000fr to the Société La Marseillaise, to make an investment. ‘I’m going to rent a car for a month.’ (R435I,p200/1=no175)
1911/05/11, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet announces in a telegram that his wife (???) 4AM. (R435I,p428=no338)
1911/08/28, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I was very pleased to spend some time with Renoir…’ (R435I,p428=no339)
1911/12/26, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘The sight of poor Renoir really made me sad…’. (R435II,p127/8=no19)
1912:
1912/01/08, Cassatt from Grasse, Villa Angeletto to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes that Duret thinks that Manet’s “La Leçon de musique” is a ‘not very nice painting. (…) I have seen the nieces of Degas…’. (R435II,p128=no20)
1912/02/24, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve received your letter and the portrait of Carolus-Duran.’ He also mentions the thread of a lawsuit for the restitution of a painting by Manet, catalogued by Duret as Enfant dans les fleurs dessus de porte (JW253), which is a portrait of Jacques Hoschedé. (R435I,p430/1=no344)
1912/03/02, Renoir from Nice to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’m getting better and better, apart from my legs, which don’t want to move any more.’ (R435I,p202=no179)
1912/05/20, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir writes about an exhibition of works not earlier exhibited next year. ‘There is also a head of Mallarmé, Sisley, a pastel of madame Corday.’ (R435I,p203=no181)
1912/06/05, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope you will continue to be satisfied with the exposition of my Venice paintings, as well of the one of Renoir.’ (R435I,p433/4=no347)
End of 1912, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes to sell a portrait of Degas has made of her, but to skipp her name. She also writes about a fan of Degas ’that must be valued 40.000fr’. (R435II,p129=no21)
1913:
1913/04/09, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes Vollard had visited Renoir and than she talked him on the painting of Degas (of her portrait) and he announced he would buy it. (R435II,p130/1=no23)
1913/04/?, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes Jacques Blanche did visit Renoir, ‘who gave him a description of the way the brushes were attached to the hands of Renoir… Next Blanche wrote in an article in le Gaulois a description of the sad state of health Renoir is in. God keep me away from people like that. I expect to leave for Paris around the 10th or 12 of May. (…) a war with Mexico will change all…’ (R435II,p132/3=no25)
1913/11/21, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir asks to send 10.000fr to 1, place de l’Eglise-du-Voeu in Nice. (R435I,p204=no184)
1914:
1914/02/12, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘Concerning the benefit exposition of pastels and paintings of Degas for the suffering of women, it is a quite spicy, if Degas would have known it. … Concerning my painting “La Barque”, I don’t want you to sell it, I promised it my family, it was made in Antibes 20 years ago, when my niece was born. (…) I haven’t seen Renoir, but going to Nice this aftternoon I saw that his villa in Cagnes was open, so without doubt he is there now.’ (R435II,p133/4=no26)
1914, Spring, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘Mme Havemeyer is very interested in the Degas sale. (…) I have seen M. Renoir and have the impression he is feeling quite well. The great statue moves forward.’ (R435II,p134/5=no27)
1914/10/29, Renoir from Cagnes to Durand-Ruel:
Renoir writes his wife is going to visit Pierre in Carcassonne and Jean in Luçon. (R435I,p206=no189)
1915:
1915/02/17, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘I have seen Renoir this afternoon, he is doing very well and is painting…’ (R435II,p135/6=no28)
1915/03/25, Renoir from Cagnes to Georges Durand-Ruel:
‘Here is the address of Jean: sous-lieutenant au 6e Chasseurs Alpins, 2e Compagnie, Nice. … Pierre is to be operated today by Gosset.’ (R435I,p207=no191)
1916:
1916/12/18, Renoir from Cagnes to Georges Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ll send you a small painting for the Union des Familles Françaises, 9, rue Lafitte.’ (R435I,p210=no199)
1917:
1917/10/29, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
‘I’ve returned here, delighted of my little trip… Honfleur, le Havre, Etretat, Yport, Pourville and Dieppe…’ (R435I,p448=no376)
1918:
1918/02/09, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
‘Since I have no means of transport, I was not able to see Renoir.’ (R435II,p136/7=no29)
1918/03/13, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
Cassatt writes she wants to send her paintings of Degas to America. ‘I have seen M. Renoir who told me that he has superb things in wax of which M. Vollard showed him photographs.’ (R435II,p137=no30)
1918/04/04, Monet from Giverny to Durand-Ruel:
Monet mentions the dates of 3 paintings, each of them priced 15.000fr. (R435I,p450=no382)
1918/05/25, Monet from Giverny to Jospeh Durand-Ruel:
‘I hope you are content with the Degas sale, … hope you have good news on Renoir.’ (R435I,p451=no384)
1919:
1919/08/26, Renoir from Paris to Durand-Ruel:
‘I ask Monsieur Durand-Ruel, 16, rue Laffitte, to pay the stockbroker Monsieur Brault, 24, rue le Peletier, 100.000fr on my behalf.’ (R435I,p215=no213)
1920:
1920/01/20, Cassatt from Grasse to Durand-Ruel:
In this last letter Cassatt wrote: ‘The pastel is the portrait of Mme Gaillard and her daughter made in 1897. … It is Paulin (a friend of Degas) who had asked me to do this portrait and I think that they never liked it.’ (R435II,p138=no31)
1920/03/27, Monet from Giverny to Jospeh Durand-Ruel:
‘… but I am not capable of telling you who are the models who posted for Renoir. His brother Edmond or his friend Rivière might be the only ones who can enlighten you with certainty.’ (R435I,p456=no392)
1921:
1921/06/07, Monet from Giverny to Georges Durand-Ruel:
’this painting has been been in 1872 in Argenteuil, at my place. The persons are my first wife and friend, the man is a neighbour. There must be 2 paintings with the same theme.’ (R435I,p458=no397)
1921/11/22, Monet from Giverny to Jospeh Durand-Ruel:
‘…the donation of my decoration to the State is now a fait accompli, the location will be ready in Spring, I have but just enough necessary time to complete this work.’ (R435I,p459/460=no400)
1926:
1926/05/04, Monet from Giverny to Joseph Durand-Ruel:
In his last letter, Monet described how Renoir, Sisley and Manet visited him in Argenteuil and painted there. ‘I don’t know any portrait of Sisley made by Renoir’. (R430,p51; R435I,p464/5=no411)
Note##:
In the correspondance with Durand-Ruel sizes of canvases are mentioned (for landscapes).
Size 10 measures 38x55cm; size 20 54x73cm; size 5 (27×35) or 6 (27×41)
(R166,p52,note53+65).
Sources:
Venturi, Lionel: Les Archives de l’Impressionisme; lettres de Renoir, Monet, Pissarro, Sisley et autres. Mémoires de Paul Durand-Ruel. Documents. Vol. 1 + 2. Durand-Ruel, New York, 1939 / 1968. (option to borrow vol. I iR19, vol.2 iR19; iR24) (=R435)
See for other sources at the bottom of the main page on the Durand-Ruel galleries and at the bottom of the main page on the correspondence.
Recommanded citation: “Meta-Impressionism: Durand-Ruel correspondence. Last modified 2026/06/17. https://www.impressionism.nl/durand-ruel-correspondence/”
Note: additional info will follow.