Edgar Degas. Autograph Letter Signed.. ...

Description

"Degas." One page of a lettercard with canceled postal address sheet on other side, in French, 4.5" x 5.5", Paris; Saturday, [March 30, 1895]. In this note to the French painter and artists' model, Suzanne Valadon, who went by the name of Maria, Degas writes, "You see, my poor Maria, that I am unable to climb up and visit you. Zandomeneghi [Federico Zandomeneghi (1841-1917), an Italian Impressionist painter and good friend of Degas] and Portier [Claude-Joseph Portier (1841-1910) a French photographer] gave me news of you. Stay strong and take care."

Suzanne Valadon (1865-1938) was a French painter and artists' model who was born Marie-Clémentine Valadon. In 1894, Valadon became the first woman painter admitted to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. She was also the mother of painter Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955). In the early 1890s, she befriended Degas, who purchased her work and encouraged her; she remained one of his closest friends until his death.

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) was a French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is especially identified with the subject of dance; more than half of his works depict dancers. Regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, he rejected the term, preferring to be called a realist.

Condition: Except for usual folds and very slight creasing, the document is in good condition.