Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux is angry at not being able to resume his art as a sculptor.

Jean-Baptiste CARPEAUX (1827.1875)

Autograph letter signed to a lady.

Two ½ in-8° pages.

Hôtel du Gd Cerf. Undated [1875]

“It makes me angry not to be able to take back my roughing boards, my scissors…”

Moving end-of-life letter from Carpeaux, suffering from cancer, and angry at not being able to return to his art.

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“Madam, who is the author of this article! I recognize the trace of your friendly encouragement, it is far too much for the poor patient. It annoys me not to be able to take back my rough edges, my scissors to justify such pages. It was with emotion that I read these few pages; I will keep them as a commitment in the future, if God gives me the strength, to bring down the temple of the Philistines.

Thank you for your box of grapes, for your sympathies and for the relief that your concern brings me. I wish I could tell you in person everything that is in my heart and mind , but I hope to shake your hand soon.

Dr Lallemand placed me in a hotel which has a great advantage: that of a numerous and attentive staff (…) I find the food very comforting. I feel better this morning, this is the first night where I have had some relative rest. I would really regret not having left Puys beach sooner, if I had not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance for the effect of practicing my art. So I hope to recover. Please accept, Madam, the expression of my most respectful and distinguished feelings. J.Bt. Carpeaux…. »