Léon BONNAT (1834-1923). Original pen-and-ink drawing, signe - Lot 34

Léon BONNAT (1834-1923). Original pen-and-ink drawing, signed lower right and dated left "May 22, 1885"; 18x25.5cm. (framed). Head of Victor Hugo on his deathbed; drawing done in three hours on the very day of Victor Hugo's death (he died at 1:30 p.m.). Former José Maria de Heredia collection. We enclose 2 L.A.S. from Léon BONNAT (to Alice Lockroy, who had been Charles Hugo's wife) relating to this drawing. - May 1885]: "The best persists. Let's hope he will stay well and that his strong constitution will take over. [...] In case of misfortune, which we must foresee, Victor Hugo's great age being given, I would like to paint his head. I would give this last portrait to your son [Georges Hugo]. The favor I ask of you is to give me a pass so that I can move into his room. But who knows? Maybe I'll die before he does! In any case, I wish you from the bottom of my heart to keep him for a long time to come. - August 7th 1884... "Nothing could make me happier than to have an object, and especially a feather, that belonged to Victor Hugo".