Rare ALS in French, signed “Paul Cezanne,” one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.5, June 11, 1898. Handwritten letter to the young poet and art critic Eugene Montfort, in part (translated): "I am in possession of the literary work that you kindly sent to me through Joachim Gasquet. I will have the greatest pleasure in perusing it and when the opportunity arises, you will kindly allow me to speak with you about the things of Art which interest us so much." In fine condition, with a short split to the top of the hinge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Cezanne's hand.



Montfort had just published his second collection, Chair (1898), and was introduced to Cezanne by the poet and art critic Joachim Gasquet. Gasquet had befriended Cezanne at an 1895 exhibition at Aix-en-Provence, and would author a biography of the artist in 1921. A fabulous handwritten letter by the important Post-Impressionist painter, connecting the visual and literary arts in fin de siècle France.