Paul SIGNAC Charming signed autograph letter Venice and his daughter

  

Between 1813 and 1835, 1 page in-8 with the letterhead of the Society of Independent Artists. Signs of folds at the upper and lower right corners. Size: 21.5 x 13.5. The master of pointillism enthusiastically evokes a view of Venezia (Venice) in the midst of a decorative panel in progress.

Signac's relationship with Venice was deep, lasting, and fruitful, a visual shock and an aesthetic laboratory that the painter exploited for many years. Our letter also tenderly mentions the painter's beloved daughter, Ginette Signac, born in 1913, who brightened his later years. Venezia fits very well in the middle of my panel. I think you will be pleased. And thank you also for my Ginette.

In 1913, Paul Signac announced to his wife Berthe the birth of the daughter he had with his new partner, the painter Jeanne Adèle Selmersheim-Desgrange. For several months, through his daily correspondence, he prepared his first wife, who could not give him children, for the arrival of this illegitimate child. "The one who is coming, you will love, I am sure, as being mine.

" During their 28 happy years of marriage, the Signac couple desperately awaited the arrival of a baby. If she grew up with Jeanne, her natural mother, Ginette would become very close to Berthe, who would even become her adoptive mother. Paul Signac would remain married to Berthe for his entire life.

This situation can be compared in many ways to that of Émile Zola and his wife Alexandrine, with another "Jeanne." Below are two masterpieces by Paul Signac representing Venice: The Grand Canal in Venice - 1905. Venice, the yellow sail - 1904. Photograph of Paul Signac happily with his daughter Ginette on his lap, around 1915. Source: The Paul Signac Archives.