The donation of the Water Lilies

Monet, Claude, French painter (1840-1926). Autograph letter signed.

Giverny, 9. IV. 1922.

8vo. 1¾ pp. on bifolium.

 6,500.00

To an unidentified public servant, informing him of an appointment with Paul Léon, the director of the l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and his notary in Giverny. The meeting relates to Monet's donation of the Water Lilies series to the French state: "Je vous informe que je reçois ce matin une lettre de Mr. Paul Léon m'annonçant sa venue avec son notaire pour Mercredi prochain 12CT entre 2 et 3es à Giverny et que votre confrère doit s'entendre avec vous pour cette rencontre à Giverny laquelle rencontre je pense, sera suivie de la signature de l'acte à votre cabinet. [...]".

As early as 1918 Monet had offered the monumental paintings he had been working on since 1914 to the state, but negotiations proved difficult. Monet's biggest supporter in the government was Georges Clemenceau, who made possible the construction of the two oval rooms designated for the paintings in the Orangerie. The exhibition finally opened to the public on 16 May 1927, a few months after Monet's death.

Some browning. On stationery with embossed letterhead "Giverny par Vernon. Eure".

Stock Code: BN#53782 Tag: