MORIN (Gustave François). - Lot 225

MORIN (Gustave François). Rouen, 1809–1886. Painter, drawing instructor, and curator of the Rouen Museum. Autograph letter signed “G. Morin” to a gentleman, Rouen, February 28, 1873, 2 pages in-8, on printed letterhead “Musée de Rouen.” An interesting autograph letter from Gustave Morin, then curator of the Rouen Museum, written on the museum’s official stationery. The text addresses a matter of acquisition or an expression of support for an artist’s family: “The Mayor has informed me that he would have been pleased to extend an expression of support to the Legrip family.” Morin then outlines the city council’s reservations regarding the inclusion of works in public collections: “The council has expressed to me its desire to see only works of a certain importance enter the collection (…)” A very interesting passage on 19th-century museum acquisition policy, particularly valuable for the history of cultural institutions. The tone becomes more personal as he expresses his regret: “I had not succeeded in the mission entrusted to me,” and pays tribute to a deceased colleague: “the excellent colleague whom we lost far too soon.” The second page, signed “G. Morin, curator of the Rouen Museum,” includes a postscript regarding the return or shipment of paintings, which further enhances the document’s historical value. In good condition. Normal creases from use, minor wear along the margins, and slight foxing. Very attractive presentation thanks to the printed letterhead.