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a handwritten letter written in black ink on a piece of papera letter written in black ink on a piece of papera letter written in black ink on a piece of paper
ROUILLAC

37 - Georges Goursat, known as Sem (1863–1934), illustrator, post…
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Estimate €150 - €300
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Description
Georges Goursat, known as Sem (1863–1934), illustrator, poster artist and caricaturist Set of 3 P.A.S. (postcards), 1923, addressed to René Benjamin A note of thanks to René Benjamin for his article published in *Le Journal* on 7 July 1923, entitled *La Ronde de Nuit*, concerning the publication of the album *La Ronde de nuit*, which brings together Sem’s caricatures of Parisian nightlife and the social scene of the time (notably in Deauville and in grand restaurants such as Maxim’s). Benjamin describes Sem not merely as a cartoonist, but as a relentless observer, and explains how Sem ‘strips bare’ people beneath the glitz of their evening attire. This was a truly invaluable show of support that Sem appreciated, at a time when he was not spared the criticism that hurt him. P.A.S., Paris, 7 July 1923 My dear Benjamin, the article appeared this morning. At last—though it’s been shortened due to all these trials and crimes that are currently in vogue, as well as current events; I feared it might be delayed yet again due to lack of space. So Descaves and I decided to sacrifice the introduction and a bit of the ending (...) I also made a small amendment because I had already published a first book in 1918 or 19: *Un Pékin sur le pont*, which I forgot to mention to you and of which 18,000 copies were printed. *La ronde de la Nuit* is therefore not my first book, but my second. Descaves and I hesitated a great deal over whether to sacrifice that opening passage, which allowed me to take my revenge in advance on the contempt shown by most critics. Un, this morning, concedes that I am an entertaining reporter and intends to be very kind. But your warm sympathy consoles me. I hope, dear friend, that you will, like me, consider it appropriate that I have taken the liberty of shortening your text (...) I would be so sorry to have displeased you. We are experiencing sweltering heat. I am unwell with this large boil on my arm and an abscess in my eye, a serious inflammation which is causing me great distress and concern. I am finding it difficult to write... FIND THE FULL AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THIS LOT IN OUR ONLINE AUCTION CATALOGUE
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About the sale René Benjamin, the 20th-century Balzac scholar
Auction location
Auction time 10/06/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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