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

Johan Barthold JONGKIND (1819.1891).

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

Four octavo pages on bluish paper.

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

"I made some drawings near Nevers, where I plan to return to conduct more serious studies."

A very fine letter from the Dutch master, who was preoccupied with his painting work.

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"My dear Martin, I am writing to give you some news. I am in Saint-Parize-le-Châtel near Magny-Cour-lès-Nèvre. It is close to the city of Nevers. I intend to stay in this region for a while longer, especially since the air is very healthy and I am drinking mineral water from a spring located very close to where I am staying. In the meantime, I have made some watercolor sketches which will help me to create a painting —as I hope—depicting the Nevers region. I assure you that the landscape presents a truly splendid and impressive aspect. It is rich in detail, perfect for filling a painting. I have painted two canvases, each 12 meters in size. The idea has occurred to me to make one very large canvas, painted directly from life on location. Now I am happy to express how much I owe to the kindness of Madame Fesser and to the kind expressions of support I have received from her." This is also why I am staying in Saint-Parize in the most comfortable way. I made some sketches near Nevers, where I intend to return to conduct more serious studies, having seen some exceptionally picturesque houses with grounds. My hope is to restore my health, and I hope that the waters of Saint-Parize will do me good, along with the great tranquility of the countryside, to calm my nervous state… I must also tell you that I visited your brother and sister in Nevers. Your sister recognized me perfectly, and everyone is in good health. At the moment, I don't yet know exactly when I will return to Paris , but as I will need the money, you would greatly oblige me by sending me three hundred francs as an allowance for my expenses. Please be so kind as to send me a reply in a few days, and let me know at the same time the good news of your health, of Madame Martin, and of the good and noble friends of the house. Please always trust in your grateful friend, Jongkind .

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Pierre-Firmin Martin (1817-1891), an art dealer, opened a shop at 20 rue de Mogador and quickly specialized in selling paintings. He was the dealer for the Barbizon painters, from Saint-Siméon to Honfleur, and a supporter of Eugène Boudin and Jongkind.

For better readability, we have corrected Jongkind's spelling mistakes, while respecting his sentence structures.