Johan Barthold JONGKIND – The Dutch master monopolized by his painting. 

Johan Barthold JONGKIND (1819.1891).

Autograph letter signed to his Parisian art dealer, Pierre-Firmin Martin.

Four pages in-8° on bluish paper.

Saint-Parize-le-Châtel. August 29, 1861.

“I made some drawings near Nevers where I plan to return to do more serious studies there. »

Very beautiful letter from the Dutch master busy with his painting work.

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“My good Martin, I am writing to you to give you some of my news. I am in Saint-Parize-le-Châtel via Magny Cour – Nièvre. It is near the town of Nevers. I plan to stay in this country for a while longer. Especially since the air is very healthy and I drink mineral water from a spring, which is very close to where I am staying. In the meantime, I drew some watercolor drawings which will help me make a painting – as I hope – representing the country of Nevers. Please believe that the landscape represents a very splendid and serious aspect. Now these details are rich in furnishing the paintings. I painted two canvases measuring 12 – The idea came to me to make a very large canvas, on site even from nature. Now I am happy to be able to say how much I owe to the kindness of Mrs. Fesser and through the contacts I have received kind proofs. This is also why I am staying in Saint-Parize in the most favorable way. I made some drawings near Nevers where I plan to return to do more serious studies having seen some houses with extremely picturesque grounds. My hope is to restore my health and I hope that the waters of St-Parize will do me good at the same time with the great tranquility of the countryside to calm my nervous state... It remains for me to tell you of having been with your brother and sister in Nevers. Your sister recognized me perfectly and everyone is in good health. At this moment I do not yet know exactly when I will return to Paris , but as I will need the money, you will be very obliged to send me three hundred francs, as an account for my expenses. Please be kind enough to have me respond in a few days and at the same time I will learn the good news of your health, of Madame Martin and of the good and noble friends of the house. Please always believe in your grateful friend, Jongkind. »

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Pierre-Firmin Martin (1817.1891), art dealer, opened a shop at 20 rue de Mogador and quickly specialized in the sale of paintings. He was the merchant of the painters of Barbizon, from Saint-Siméon to Honfleur and the support of Eugène Boudin and Jongkind.

For better reading, we have corrected Jongkind's spelling errors, while respecting his sentence constructions.