Jules CHÉRET (1836-1932). - Lot 39

Jules CHÉRET (1836-1932). 6 L.A.S., Nice and Paris 1899-1914, to Maurice Fenaille; 15 pages in-12 or in-8°. About his decorations for Fenaille's villa in Neuilly. Nice January 16, 1899. He got rid of his rheumatism "by taking up arms and cycling. These exercises gave me a perspiration that eliminated the pain". He advises Fenaille to ask his master-at-arms for a massage... "Our decoration works". - March 22, he receives Fenaille at his workshop; he has finished the second side of the decoration: "the third is in progress"... - April 19. He is pleased that Fenaille is getting in touch with his friend Bourdelle, who will take "cognizance of our decorations. I am certain that he will execute them with great talent in the taste we desire". He would like the mantelpiece to be modeled by him. "I'm continuing to work hard on your panels, and I'm also thinking about decorating the salon, for which Mr. Lepage has sent me the plans"... Paris, June 26, 1902. He leaves for Brittany, but awaits Fenaille's visit to his studio "to discuss our work [...] You must have received permission for an art publication to reproduce our dining room, which I consider one of my best works". Nice February 7, 1903. He has "clarified certain features of our tapestry and colored away the woman's leg at the bottom of the composition; I couldn't see any way of continuing the foot, which now stands out well from the border". He reserves for her the "little yellow woman" at400 F. "I have already placed our lunch on the grass on the easel"... Nice December 12, 1914. He acknowledges receipt of a check... "We are still anxiously listening to the news. Madame Chéret very busy making warm woollens for those down there where our thoughts and our hearts go to these dear and brave soldiers among whom this son of whom you must be proud"...