Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux is furious that he cannot resume his art as a sculptor.

Jean-Baptiste CARPEAUX (1827.1875)

Autographed letter signed to a lady.

Two and a half pages in-8°.

Hotel du Grand Cerf. Undated [1875]

"It makes me furious that I can't get back to using my modeling tools, my scissors..."

A moving letter from Carpeaux at the end of his life, suffering from cancer, and enraged at not being able to resume his art.

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“Madam, who is the author of this article! I recognize the trace of your kind encouragement; it’s far too much for the poor sick man. It infuriates me that I can’t pick up my sketching tools and scissors again to justify such pages. I read these few pages with emotion; I will keep them as a commitment for the future, if God grants me strength, to bring down the temple of the Philistines.”

Thank you for your box of grapes, your kind words, and the relief your concern brings me. I wish I could tell you in person everything that's 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: a large and attentive staff (…) I find the food very comforting. I feel better this morning; this is the first night I've had any real rest. I would truly regret not having left the beach at Le Puys sooner, if it hadn't been for the pleasure of meeting you, which is beneficial to the practice of my art. I therefore hope to recover. Please accept, Madam, the expression of my most respectful and distinguished sentiments. J.Bt. Carpeaux….