System Number: 04106
Date: 25 May 1888
Author: Robert de Montesquiou-Fezensac[1]
Place: [Paris]
Recipient: JW
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler M376
Document Type: ALS[2]
Cher Monsieur et Ami
Hélas! déjeuner n'est pas possible! mais j'irai, à deux heures, vous prendre pour nous rendre aux prestigieux mystères[3]!
Ensuite ceux d'ici seront ouverts si vous avez un instant. Pas trop de "belles choses"- non. Mais plusieurs mieux que cela.
En heureuse perspective [p. 2] de ces aimables heures
précieusement à vous
RMF
25 Mai '88.[4]
[date adorned by ink sketch of reeds and dragonflies]
This document is protected by copyright.
Translation:
Dear Sir and Friend
Alas! lunch is not possible! but I shall go, at two o'clock, to meet you and for us to go to see the great mysteries!
Then those here will be available if you have a moment. Not too many "beautiful things" - no. But several better than that.
In happy anticipation of [p. 2] these pleasant hours
preciously yours
RMF
Envelope:
Monsieur WhistlerNotes:
1. Robert de Montesquiou-Fezensac
Comte Robert de Montesquiou-Fezensac (1855-1921), Symbolist writer and poet, and collector [more].
2. ALS
Published in Newton, Joy, La Chauve-Souris et le Papillon. Correspondance Montesquiou-Whistler, Glasgow, 1990, no. 8, p. 46.
3. prestigieux mystères
Exposition, Galerie Durand-Ruel, Paris, 1888.
4. 25 Mai '88.
Written on a small card on which is painted a design of dragonflies and flowering reeds. The envelope has a water blot design. Montesquiou's writing is, as usual, tortuous, decorative and difficult to read.