EDGAR DEGAS

"DELIVERING YOU INTO THE HANDS OF TEMPTATION"738. EDGAR DEGAS (1834-1917). French painter and sculptor noted especially for his fluid studies of the human figure in motion. Extraordinary collection of 11 letters, which includes possibly the last letter ever penned by Degas before his death. ALS "Degas" in French, 2pp, 12mo, n.d. Translated. To his "Dear Friend," in part, "...He told me it would be better if I wrote you - so, next Thursday, June 15, there will be a small buffet party at 21 rue Pigalle, 3rd floor; the loveliest apartment in the whole neighborhood. If your wife doesn't come with you, she will be delivering you into the hands of temptation...In any case, I'll see you Tuesday when I go over for dinner..." The artist never made it to the gathering as he died after writing this letter. Accompanied by letters of correspondence that includes a letter from EDMOND DEGAS, the artist's nephew, dated Sep 27, 1917, informing Mr. Bartholome of his friend's death. In part, "It is with deep sorrow that, in the absence of my father, I am the conveyor of a tragic message. I know what fraternal friendships united you to my poor uncle, who died in his sleep at midnight last night..." The remaining nine letters are condolences sent by friends and admirers, mostly to Mr. Bartholomé. All are translated. Fine. In all probability, the Mr. Bartholome referenced in these letters is French sculptor and painter Paul-Albert Bartholomé (1848-1928) who maintained a close friendship with Degas from ca.1870 until the time of Degas' death. Est: $2500-3500

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