Pissarro in Monet: "Times are so hard"

Camille Pissarro explains to Claude Monet that he received his telegram late and that he cannot go to Paris, his son Lucien before himself moving there for his publications of engravings. Most of all, he confides in his serious financial difficulties: the times are so hard that he must limit his expenses, give up meals shared with his friends and sell his paintings at random. Despite this embarrassment, Pissarro hopes to find Monet again as in the past when his situation has improved. This letter gives a very direct testimony of the painter's material precariousness.

Sender

Camille Pissarro.

Recipient

Claude Monet

Place sent

Eragny, by Gisors (Eure).

Original language

French

Transcription

Eragny, by Gisors (Eure).

My dear Monet,

Your telegram came here late, naturally; I did not intend to go to Paris, Lucien being forced to go there for his publications of engravings, I was forced to stay. — Don't be surprised if I can no longer attend our dinners and lunches, the times are so hard that I am forced to look at the expense. — Durand left by giving me so little, that I am in need of selling my canvases here, it is hardly if I can make ends meet. I hope, however, that when I emerge from the present embarrassment, we can find ourselves together as in the past. "Excuse me, my dear friend, and do not please me.

Your old friend.

C. Pissarro.

Editorial note

Transcript based on two-page printed reproduction. Word clippings caused by the end of the page have been deleted to restore a continuous reading. The spelling and punctuation of the publication have been preserved, in particular the forms "diners" and "by this way". The date and place of destination are not included in the photographed extract. The recipient is identified by the call "My dear Monet" and the editorial header dedicated to Claude Monet.