COLETTE mourns the death of her friend and protector.

Sidonie Gabrielle Colette , known as COLETTE (1873.1954)

Autograph letter signed to Hélène Berthelot.

One and a half pages, quarto, on blue paper

Slnd [end of November 1934]

"I never believed Philippe was dead!"

Colette, a lifelong friend of the Berthelot couple, grieves with emotion over Philippe's death alongside his widow Hélène.

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"My dearest, dearest Hélène, it was only last night that I learned of the terrible event . I haven't been thinking of anything but you since then, dear Hélène. I knew, like everyone else, that his great heart was ailing, but one can get used to a broken heart for a long time, and I never believed Philippe was dead!"

Dear Hélène, I should only be thinking of your pain, but please forgive me if I dare to tell you that I am very sad . I send you my love, I hope you will allow me to see you, I am with all my heart your sorrowful friend, Colette .

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Philippe Berthelot (1866-1934), an eminent French diplomat, was close to the artistic and literary world. He fervently participated in the promotion of the Arts and helped many personalities such as Paul Claudel, Saint-John Perse, Paul Morand, Jean Cocteau, Raymond Radiguet, Coco Chanel and Colette.

At the end of the 19th century, he became friends with Victor Hugo (whose father, Marcellin, was close to), Auguste Rodin, Gustave Flaubert, etc.