229 - LA TOUCHE (Gaston de) (1854–1913).

LA TOUCHE (Gaston de) (1854–1913). French painter, engraver, illustrator, and sculptor. A renowned artist of the Belle Époque, famous for his elegant scenes, luminous compositions, and monumental settings. Autograph letter signed “Gaston La Touche” to the writer and journalist Auguste Dupouy (1872–1967). Saint-Cloud, undated [circa 1912]. 4 pages, in-4 format, in black ink, on blue laid paper, with his printed address: “31, rue Dailly, Saint-Cloud.” An interesting letter in which Gaston La Touche discusses his plans for an exhibition in Venice and his involvement in the decoration of the ocean liner France, while providing a glimpse into his daily life in Saint-Cloud. The painter first expresses his delight at the prospect of seeing his correspondent again and meeting his wife: “It would give me the greatest pleasure to see you again and to meet Madame Dupouy. ” He suggests a meeting at his home in Saint-Cloud, mentioning his concerns about the town’s future and his hosting habits: “We could discuss the dangers facing Saint-Cloud. We’re always at home. I’m always at home on Sunday afternoons. The other days are consumed by work and the tyrannies of life.” The rest of the letter is of greater artistic and historical interest. The painter informs his correspondent of his upcoming travels: “Try to stop by here on your way to Brittany; you won’t find me when you return, as I must leave for Venice to organize an exhibition... ” He then specifies that he must first travel to Le Havre to attend an event with which he is personally associated: “...and before that, go to Le Havre to attend the inauguration of the transatlantic liner *France*, for which I created the decorations. ” This mention is the letter’s main point of interest. It provides direct evidence of Gaston La Touche’s involvement in the interior design of the ocean liner *France*, which entered service in 1912. Condition: Generally good condition. Old creases, slight signs of handling. Well-preserved blue letterhead paper. Written in black ink, with a few passages written more heavily and handwritten underlines.