Translation

Dear Mr Frick

Both Mrs Breton and myself remember with great pleasure your too short visit at Courrieres.

We often speak of you and congrautlate ourselves that my painting "the last gleanings" has become the property of an amateur of your merit.

This painting, one of my preferred ones, expresses a feeling I have frequently felt before the majestic simplicity and beauty of our rustic scenes, when bathed in the last rays of the sun. - Those daughters of our fields seem then to be transfigured, the reflections of the heavens giving them the semblance of being surrounded by a natural halo.

This is the hour which always moved me most, and which I have all my life tried to express. I believe I have never succeeded better than in your painting.

Awaiting the pleasure of seeing you again, I beg of you dear Mr Frick to receive both from Mrs B and myself the assurance of our best wishes, and the expression of our warmest sympathies.

(Signed) Jules Breton

Courrieres 21 Nov. 1895.