Valentin GUILLON (1855-1945) - Lot 633

Valentin GUILLON (1855-1945) Victor Hugo with family and friends in his garden at Hauteville House, summer 1878 Albumin print mounted on cardboard, embellished on the mount with a long, moving letter in ink in the lower margin: "Your gracious letter, Madame, reaches me in the midst of nature. My little ones are so happy, I can hear them laughing, and it seems to me that I'm sending you their laughter. Be happy to experience this happiness. I kiss your hands. Victor Hugo Proof: H. 17 cm - L. 24 cm Mounting: H. 23 cm - L. 31.5 cm DV Note: A similar print is held in the collections of Victor Hugo's house at Hauteville House, Guernsey (inventory no. 3268). From left to right, this image shows his sister-in-law Julie Chenay, née Foucher, Madame Aline Ménard-Dorian (future mother-in-law of Georges Hugo), her daughter Pauline Ménard-Dorian (future wife of Georges Hugo), Edouard Lockroy (second husband of Alice Hugo), Alice Lockroy née Lehaene (widow of Carles Hugo), Georges and Jeanne Hugo, children of Charles Hugo and Alice, Victor Hugo, Juliette Drouet and Richard Lesclide. Tear to mounting board at top, slight foxing.