A.L.S. Georges-Antoine Rochegrosse

ROCHEGROSSE Georges-Antoine (1859-1938), A.L.S., W.l., 24 january [19]17.

2 pages In-12 on a bifeuillet. The artist informs his correspondent that there are no watercolours available, offers to produce one on request and invites the reader to visit his studio.

"Monsieur,

Je n'ai malheureusement pas d'aquarelles ici en ce moment, je n'exposerai au Salon d'Alger que 3 petits tableaux à l'huile, qui ne sont déjà plus dans mon atelier mais transportés au Musée ou on s'occupe de l'installation de l'Exposition très prochaine.

Si vous me préférez l'aquarelle je suis à votre disposition si vous désirez que j'en exécute une spécialement pour vous ; ou bien si cela vous convient mieux je pourrai vous prévenir quand j'en aurai de libres.

En tout cas, si malgré cette pénurie madame Merene et vous voulez bien me faire le plaisir de venir jusqu'à mon atelier, je serais très heureux de vous recevoir. 

Si tel est votre projet, veuillez m'indiquer l'heure et le jour qui vous conviendrait le mieux (hors jeudi et vendredi après-midi).

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments très distingués."

In 1917, Georges-Antoine Rochegrosse was already living in El Biar, Algeria, with his wife (who died in 1920). He exhibited regularly at the Salon des artistes algériens, which he called the Salon d'Alger. From 1910 onwards, he trained his students in his studio, which he called Dar es Saouar, and probably received some of his clients, including Madame Merene.

Traduction:

"Dear Sir
Unfortunately I don't have any watercolours here at the moment, I will only be exhibiting 3 small oil paintings at the Salon in Algiers, which are no longer in my studio but have been taken to the Museum where they are setting up for the Exhibition very soon.
If you prefer watercolours, I am at your disposal if you would like me to do one especially for you; or if it suits you better, I can let you know when I have some free.
In any case, if despite this shortage you and Mrs Merene would do me the pleasure of coming to my studio, I would be very happy to receive you.
If this is your plan, please let me know the time and day that would suit you best (excluding Thursday and Friday afternoons).
Yours faithfully"