44 - Philippe BURTY, writer, art critic, painter, and engraver (1830–1890). 3 letters addressed to the painter Théodore Rousseau. Paris, May 27, 1861, April 9, 1862, and June 2, 1867. Set of 4 pp., in-8.

Philippe BURTY, writer, art critic, painter, and engraver (1830–1890). 3 letters addressed to the painter Théodore Rousseau. Paris, May 27, 1861, April 9, 1862, and June 2, 1867. Set of 4 pp., in-8. A lovely, friendly exchange of letters. He informs Rousseau of his daughter’s death; he regrets not being able to accept his invitation: “An evening with you and MILLET, two people I love, two masters whom I admire!...” With great humor, he promises Rousseau that he will personally oversee the printing of one of his engravings... “Your plate is truly the offspring of your genius. But did I not have the good fortune to inspire in you the desire to create it... We’ll set aside some fine prints and beautiful proofs for you. And soon, won’t you send me others? In the meantime, give your friend MILLET a good nudge.” The etching by Th. Rousseau in question (dated May 1861) is his last and most important etching: *Chêne de Roches* (Delteil, 4). This letter provides evidence that it was created at Burty’s request and on his advice to accompany an article in the *Gazette des Beaux-Arts* about the 1861 Salon. The etching by MILLET, for which he asks Rousseau to urge his friend to complete it quickly, is *La Bouillie*, a superb piece that was also scheduled to appear in September 1861 in the *Gazette des Beaux-Arts*.