The collection consists of letters written by Cogniet mostly to colleagues, and arranged chronologically. Letters dated 1852-1856 request favors and awards for his students. In one from this period (1854) he insists to a colleague that he will not be disuaded from submitting his resignation from the post of vice president. In 1876, he defends his numerous requests for student awards that year by claiming that it is an excellent means of encouragement and that his students are deserving of it. Of the undated letters, three deal with unidentified commissions for his work. Among the printed matter is s short article suggesting his passion for sketching and his careless attitude towards sketches. Also included are documents relating to Cogniet's death including references in "Le Monde Illustré" and "La Vie Moderne," and a printed discourse for his funeral written by Jules Thomas.
