Pierre-Auguste Renoir Handwritten & Autographed Note

A handsome 4.25 x 5.5 inch 1896 handwritten note from French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in Renoir's hand, a photograph of Renoir and a 10 x 8 inch print of Renoir's celebrated 1869 work La Grenouillère.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a French artist and leading painter in the development of Impressionism. Today, he is considered among the finest Impressionists and his work continues to sell for outstanding sums at auction.

Renoir began work as a painter in a porcelain factory in 1854. In 1862, he entered the studio of Gleyre where he formed lasting friendships with Monet, Sisley and Bazille.

Renoir's art has instant appeal and the artist freely communicated the joy he took in them. He was once quoted as saying, "Why shouldn't art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world."

The letter is addressed to Gustave Geffroy, a well known art critic.