57 - Jean-François RAFFAELLI (1850–1924), painter and engraver. EXTENSIVE CORRESPONDENCE with

Jean-François RAFFAELLI (1850–1924), painter and engraver. EXTENSIVE CORRESPONDENCE with ALBERT BARTHOLOME, painter and sculptor, close friend of DEGAS. 84 letters from the sender (plus 2 postcards, 1 telegram, and a letter from Germaine RAFFAELLI), 1880–1919, to Bartholome, approximately 150 pages in-8 or in-12 format, a few envelopes and one letter, includes a watercolor sketch. A very interesting collection of correspondence shedding light on the lives and works of both artists. As close friends, the two painters recall their meetings, exchange news about their health and families, and discuss mutual friends (AJALBERT, GEFFROY). We thus witness the birth of MARCELLE, RAFFAELLI’s daughter, whose death he recounts a little later with restrained emotion, along with that of his brother MARIUS in Senegal. He announces the marriage of his daughter GERMAINE. He is deeply affected by the death of Madame BARTHOLOME and writes a magnificent letter in response. He recounts his vacations in England, Venice, on the Italian lakes, in Le Tréport, Dieppe, Cancale, La Rochelle, Cambo, etc. His strong personality often comes to the fore; in 1885, in Brussels, he refuses to see the king, who had requested an audience with him. But art takes center stage. RAFFAELLI discusses his drawings, his pastels, his portraits, and his attempts at sculpture. He wants to learn woodcut engraving to make it convey what it has not yet been able to convey. He began a series of drawings of English children. He noted the harsh criticism directed at his portrait of CLEMENCEAU. RAFFAELLI admired BARTHOLOME’s sculptures and advised him to have them cast at GONON’s. They exchange news about the art world, exhibitions, salons, and opening receptions; but RAFFAELLI confesses his hatred “for the artistic fuss and frivolity of Paris and for the life I have to lead there to fulfill my responsibilities and ambitions.” They talk about MARY CASSATT and HUYSMANS, and they go to visit RODIN. RAFFAELLI often sees DEGAS, about whom he speaks at length, sometimes calling him “the terrible friend” and sometimes “the poor old man”; they go together to the COURBET auction, where RAFFAELLI buys a painting. DEGAS comes to visit RAFFAELLI in Honfleur with HALEVY; they attend a party at DE NITTIS’s house. They go on wild drinking binges with CLEMENCEAU, which end with a dinner with the dancers from the Opera. The watercolor drawing titled *La Belle Arlésienne* bears the inscription: “At DEGAS’s, 19 rue Fontaine.”