The ‘first’ fashion designer—a receipt for the dress of King Louis XV’s mistress

417. Rose Bertin Autograph Document Signed. French milliner and dressmaker (1747–1813) to Queen Marie Antoinette. She was the first celebrated French fashion designer and is widely credited with having brought fashion and haute couture to the forefront of popular culture. ADS in French, signed “Bertin,” one page, 7.25 x 4.5, May 25, 1778. A handwritten receipt for the dress of Madame du Barry, the infamous mistress of King Louis XV and one of the victims of the Reign of Terror. In full (translated): “I have received from Madame la Comtesse du Barry through the hands of Mr. Gadot the sum of 600 livres as part payment for her account in Paris.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light staining. Du Barry—who was integral to Bertin’s rise to fame—was still very rich after the demise of the king, and at this time 600 livres was a small fortune. An exceptional association piece from a foundational figure in this history of fashion, whose autographs are extremely rare. Starting Bid $200

418. Eugene Boudin Autograph Letter Signed. French landscape painter (1824–1898) celebrated for his seascapes and shore scenes; Corot called him the ‘King of the Skies.’ ALS in French, signed “E. Boudin,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 6.75, December 24, 1897. Witty handwritten letter by the pioneering landscape painter to his brother Louis, in small part (translated): “I wish you a very good new year. I suppose you are well despite these days I have suffered a little bit but I am stuck at home because I have become so much afraid of fire that’s getting old and having problems of all sorts. Give me news of the whole boudinaille.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

419. Gustave Caillebotte Autograph Letter Signed. French painter (1848–1894) who was a member and patron of the Impressionists, although he painted in a more realistic manner than many others in the group. Caillebotte was noted for his early interest in photography as an art form. ALS in French, signed “G. Caillebotte,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 3.75 x 6, 31 Bd. Haussmann letterhead, no date. Untranslated handwritten letter by the influential painter to Parisian stamp dealer Pierre Mahé, settling their accounts: he concludes that “Zero” is remaining. In fine condition. Caillebotte lived in a bourgeois residence at 31 Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, and painted the street in many different lights as the days and seasons changed. Starting Bid $200

420. Alexander Calder Autograph Letter Signed. American sculptor (1898–1976) known as the originator of the mobile. ALS in French, signed “Sandy Calder,” one page, 8.25 x 10.75, postmarked May 17, 1971. Sent from his home studio at “Sache 37,” an untranslated handwritten letter from Alexander Calder to the art critic Pierre Descargues. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope hand-addressed by Calder, who has added his surname to the reverse, “Calder, Sache 37.” Starting Bid $200

421. Mary Cassatt Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in French, one page both sides, 5.25 x 3.5, personal letterhead, November 2, [no year]. Handwritten letter to a gentleman, mentioning artwork by her friend and collaborator Edgar Degas. In part (translated): “I have not forgotten our meeting…and I will be very happy to be on the committee. My Degas are in Auvergne, otherwise I would have brought them to you. I am always at home after 4:30 and would be happy to see you…whenever you would like to come. Please know, sir, that I have only the best impression of you.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200