"The sun allowed me only four days of work. Today it is beautiful and I am about to go out.. .I have begun three or four landscapes of the area around Aigues-Mortes. In my large canvas 'The Ramparts at Aigues-Mortes', I am going to do the walls of the city, reflected in a pond at sunset. This will be a very simple painting, which should not take long to do. Nevertheless I would need at least eight beautiful days. I hope that everything will be finished by the 12th"

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“I have started a large landscape which is beginning to take shape.”

“Don't worry! I bring to it all the necessary objectivity, don't be alarmed.. ..dirty machinists, very dumb musicians, a very old Monsieur Auber, and everyone only thinks about getting her job done as quickly as possible to earn a living.”

“I've been amusing myself recently painting the interior of my studio with my friends. Manet is helping me with it , and I may send it to the exhibition in Montpellier. This painting has delayed the one I am going to do for the Salon, but I am working hard and it won't take very long to complete”

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“The subject matter is unimportant, provided what I have done is interesting as a painting. I chose the modern era because it is the one I understand best; I find it more alive for people who are alive.”

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