ZIEM (Félix). Born in Beaune. - Lot 316

ZIEM (Félix). Born in Beaune. 1821–1911. Painter of the Barbizon School, renowned for his landscapes of Venice and Constantinople. A precursor of Impressionism. Autograph letter signed “Ziem” to “My dear Sir” [the journalist Aurélien Scholl]. No place, no date. 1 p., in-8. The painter recounts an anecdote to him: …Here is the counterpart to your story about the husband who wants to cut the rope holding the tethered balloon in which his wife is riding. A street performer and aeronaut, as thin as an eel’s skin, was putting on his show in Copenhagen, where I had arrived on a beautiful summer Sunday. His very plump Spanish wife was collecting admission fees at the entrance to the enclosure. Once the price was paid, the aeronaut and I climbed into the basket and ascended (sic) into the skies… I, young and moved, full of admiration, was lavishing splendid praise on his noble profession. But he, his eyes fixed on the ground, wept as he told me, “Look at what my circumstances force me to do. I’ve left my wife, and she takes advantage of my ascents (sic) to indulge in all sorts of things with the officers…”