Antoine BOURDELLE laments the price of bronze after the war.

Antoine BOURDELLE (1861.1929)

Autograph letter signed to the architect Alfred Rome.

One ½ in-4° page. Traces of folds.

Paris. November 27, 1918.

"I think you know that because of the war factories the price of art bronzes has quadrupled. »

The First World War had just ended with unexpected economic consequences for artists: bronze foundry prices had quadrupled.

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“I am pleased to have received good news from you and also from our friend Andry Farcy; would you please greet him cordially for me.

I think you know that because of the war factories the price of bronze art has quadrupled : the simple laborers of the foundries, to grind sand in the factories, have 30 francs per day. The factory, closing everything down, will gradually pick up again, but the foundry bosses are snapping up the passable workers at exorbitant prices.

I don't know at what price (I don't have my books at hand) I left the two small bronzes to Mr. Férioglio. Would you be so kind as to ask him to tell me my prices quickly and as soon as I see them I will reply to you without delay, because it is quite certain, my dear architect, that I will hold the honor of having some of my work near yours. Very affectionately, Bourdelle.