It is most good of you to give Monsieur Gogouin a leg up. Not knowing the man I can’t say if he deserves it. I hope so for your sake.–  1r:2 I would like to help you. But how? There is but one legitimate way. i.e. By purchasing one of his works.– The very last day in Paris I tried to fetch Boussod; Veladon & C^ie to see the picture you speak of, “niggers &c.”,2 but failed through want of time.– For others I saw, that big one of yours3 unfortunately swamps them in my opinion.– So I am in a fix.–  1v:3

Young Bernard writes me from S^te Briain.a

Complains much of the weather interfering with his work.

Before I left Paris I lunched with M. Rodin (who has finished a fine head of my wife)4 & M. Claude Monet. Saw ten of M. Monets pictures done at Antibes.5 Very fine in color & light & a certain richness of envelop. But like nearly all the so called impressionist work the form is not enough  1v:4 studied. The big mass of form I mean. The trees too much wood in Branches for the size of Trunk & so against fundamental law of nature. A lack of construction everywhere.–

He is undoubtedly a remarkable colorist & full of courage in attacking difficult problems. We should all do the same.– ’Tis the only way to get strong. Luckily here in Belle-Île I am forced to try all things – figures, landscape, sea, cattle &c &c. otherwise would