Pierre-Auguste Renoir ledger sells for $37,462 at RR Auction

Hardcover ledger book containing 14 pages filled out in Renoir’s hand to record the sales of his paintings, 4½ x 6½ images, 1882 to 1885. Price realized: $37,462. RR Auction image

BOSTON – A rare Pierre-Auguste Renoir ledger sold for $37,462 by RR Auction on Feb. 6. The 14-page hardcover ledger book containing filled out in Renoir’s hand to record the sales of his paintings, marked “Tableaux” on the front cover. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

The opening page is marked in red pencil, “Durand Ruel,” and the next 14 pages are dated from 1882 to 1885, recording various financial transactions.

Several of these entries record amounts received from the sales of his works, and in several instances he writes names or descriptions of the works (“Portrait de Mme. C dans an jardin,” “Vues Venise,” “jardin coquelicots,” “Samary (Pastel),” “petit pastel anglais,” and so on), while in others he simply jots the amount of money and the month it was received. In two instances in 1883, he writes the name “Manet,” presumably referencing his friend and fellow Impressionist Edouard Manet. In 1884, Renoir uses the ledger to record money spent on trips to Guernsey.

“These entries provide valuable insight into Renoir’s life and work, and as such this ledger represents an important piece for Renoir research,” said Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction.

Additional highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

– Lyndon B. Johnson signed letter as president to the speaker of the house sold for $19,133.

– James Joyce signed vintage photograph sold for $25,826.