Exhibition Catalogue

Paris Georges Petit. 1889.

The first trade edition in the original wrappers.

First trade edition. 8vo. 245x160mm. pp89. In the original wrappers with small repair to head of spine but otherwise in very good condition throughout. This is the original catalogue for the joint exhibition of work by Monet and Rodin held at the Galerie Georges Petit. It consists of an essay on Monet by Octave Mirbeau and one on Rodin by Gustave Geffroy together with the lists of the work by both artists. A very good copy of first trade edition of this rare and important document.
George Petit opened his gallery in 1882 and it quickly became the finest private exhibition space in Paris showing major work by many of leading contemporary French and international artists. Rodin and Monet were first exhibited together there in 1886 along with work by Renoir. Petit's Sixth International Exhibition in 1887 showed their work with that of Whistler, Sisley and Pissarro.
Although Petit intended that the 1889 Exhibition would continue this multi-artist approach, by February 1889, it was agreed that the show was to feature, in Monet's words to Rodin, "only you and me". Monet contributed one hundred and forty five works: the exhibition was crucial for him as he was constantly struggling for public, critical and financial success. We forget how radical and unsettling contemporaries found his work. This exhibition and Mirbeau's catalogue essay did much to establish Monet's reputation.
Rodin exhibited only thirty six pieces, the first in the catalogue being the monumental "Groupe de bourgeois de Calais". This was set up against a wall of Monet's paintings obscuring them and causing a row between the artists during which Rodin shouted: " I don't give a damn about Monet". Despite this, the two subsequently became good friends with huge respect for each other's art. Petit's exhibition was an enormous success and remains a landmark in the history of late nineteenth-century art history.