250 - LE SIDANER (Henri) (1862–1939).

LE SIDANER (Henri) (1862–1939). French Post-Impressionist painter. Born in Port-Louis (Mauritius), Henri Le Sidaner is famous for his intimate landscapes, gardens, and scenes bathed in a subtle and poetic light. He was elected a member of the Academy of Fine Arts in 1930. Autograph letter signed “H. Le Sidaner” to Madame Boudot-Lamotte, wife of the painter and collector Maurice Boudot-Lamotte. Versailles, February 10, 1930. 1 page in-8, on a double sheet. In black ink, with fairly faint handwriting. Water stains, mainly on the second half of the sheet; old creases. A gracious thank-you letter in which Henri Le Sidaner emotionally recalls Director Lamotte. The painter thanks his correspondent for the congratulations she has just sent him, which have brought back memories of his late relative: “I am deeply touched by the congratulations you have been kind enough to send me, which bring back moving memories of Director Lamotte.” He goes on to express his gratitude and extends his regards, as well as those of his wife. This letter, written when Le Sidaner was 67 years old, dates from a period of official recognition of his work, marked in particular by his election to the Institut in 1930. This document attests to the friendly and artistic relationship Henri Le Sidaner maintained with the Boudot-Lamotte family, of which Maurice Boudot-Lamotte—a painter and collector—was a prominent figure in French artistic circles. The personal nature of the memory evoked lends this short letter biographical significance, despite its essentially courteous content.