GOUNOD (Charles). - Lot 107

GOUNOD (Charles). Born in Paris. 1818-1893. French composer. First Prix de Rome in 1839. L.A.S. "Ch. Gounod" to "Mon cher Jules" [the painter Jules Richomme]. Rouen, August 21, 1875. 3 pages in-4. Envelope enclosed (truncated, remnant of postmark). BEAUTIFUL LETTER TO HIS GREAT FRIEND THE PAINTER JULES RICHOMME, WHOM GOUNOD CONSIDERED A BROTHER.Charles Gounod received from his dear friend a small painting that enchanted him: ...Your dear wife brought us from you a lovely little painting which, I remember, caught my particular attention in your studio last year. I was sorry not to be at home when your wife came; I would have liked to tell her in person how pleased I was to know I was now the owner of this delightful little pastoral; so it is you directly whom I thank for it, dear good friend; and I would have done so much sooner if, for the last three days, I had not been out of the house all day and even in the evening. I am delighted, enchanted; and you may well think that this little jewel will not be the least expensive of those that already make up my tiny museum: we are going to send it immediately to the frame, and immediately afterwards give it a friendly place in our salon: I want it to be seen well because I am sure it will be a real pleasure to look at.Merci, cher bon, pour ma femme et pour moi: mille affectueux souvenirs à ta bonne mère et à ta femme, et pour toi l'assurance de ma vieille amitié.... ça commence à prendre des années de bouteille, sais tu?...Jules Richomme, son of the engraver Théodore Richomme, was born and died in Paris (1818-1903). Painter, draughtsman and engraver, he painted mainly genre scenes, historical and religious pictures. He shared with Camille Corot the decoration of the chapels of the Virgin and Saint-Nicolas for the Ville d'Avray church. He also designed several church decorations, including Saint-Séverin in Paris. He also made decorations for the town of Cherbourg. His studio was located at 15 Cité Pigalle in Paris. Throughout his life, Jules Richomme maintained a remarkable correspondence with his friend, the musician Charles Gounod, elements of which were published by his son-in-law André Beaunier.