Eugène CARRIERE was sorry not to be able to see RODIN and MIRBEAU.

Eugène CARRIERE (1849.1906)

Autographed letter signed to Mr. Brës.

Two and a half pages in-8°.

No place. September 19, 1903.

"I would have been there with two friends I particularly cherish, Rodin and Mirbeau. I admire them as much as you do."

His career was confused by the fact that he could not attend a banquet in the presence of his friends Auguste Rodin and Octave Mirbeau.

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"Dear Mr. Brës, I am utterly sorry. I made a firm commitment before your kind invitation and, without remembering it, accepted yours so graciously presented. I have no way to withdraw. I therefore ask you for one last favor: please excuse me if I am unable to attend your Youth Banquet.".  

I would have been there with two friends I particularly cherish, Rodin and Mirbeau. I admire them as much as you do, and it would have been a real treat for me to be near them, surrounded by your friends. It pains me to forgo this, and yet I cannot do otherwise. At the next Youth Banquet, I will make it my pleasure to be among you and participate in your festivities.

I will send you a note from my friend Constantin Meunier in a few days. Please don't be too harsh on me. I am strong [?] in every way, and as you can see, this puts me in a difficult frame of mind. Please convey my apologies to all your friends. Youth is generous—it can be—it has the enthusiasm of the present and prepares the strength for the future. I greet it with joy in you and your friends. Believe me, I beg you, your devoted friend, with all my regrets for not being able to be with you on Saturday. With all my heart, Eugène Carrière.