CHRISTINA OF LORRAINE: (1565-1637) Grand Duchess of Tuscany 1589-1609 as spouse of Ferdinand I Grand Duke of Tuscany. She served as Regent of Tuscany 1621-28. Granddaughter of Queen Catherine de´Medici and mother of Grand Duke Cosimo II de´Medici. L.S., `V[ost]ra buona amica Christ[i]na G[ran] D[uches]sa, one page, Pisa, 7th February 1599, to Bartolini Rinoreini in Siena, in Italian. The Grand Duchess states `Vi ringratio della diligenza di ritrovarmi le tole, ma perche quella del guibbone e falsa vorrei che m´avvisasse siquella della sottana e falsa o buona ancora et avvisatemi il prezzo di ogni cosa. Che Dio vi guardi´ (“I thank you for the diligence in finding my tole, but because that of the guibbone is false, I would like you to warn me if that of the petticoat is false or good again and tell me the price of everything. May God look at you´ With address leaf, bearing remnants of a former seal. Paper with watermark. Overall age wear and creasing, with few small tears to edges and very small holes. G
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DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. A fine A.L.S., C. de Gaulle, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 4th January 1962, to his cousin Marc Lami, on his printed letterhead bearing `Le Général De Gaulle´, in French. De Gaulle, as President of France, sends a friendly letter to his cousin, commencing by sending his new year´s greetings and on behalf of his wife Yvonne, further referring to his cousin´s mother saying `Tandis que finissait l´an dernier, j´ai particulierement senti une pensée sur le souvenir de votre chere Maman..´ (“As last year ended, I particularly felt a thought on the memory of your dear Mother…”) De Gaulle further says `Pour M. Henri…, je vous envoi quelques precisions concernant les possibilités. Il en résulte que les choses se sont présentées trop tardivement cette fois.ci. Mais pour la suite, milieu de cette année, je compte faire ce qu´il faut´ (“Regarding Mr. Henri… I send you some precisions concerning the options available. As a result, things were done too late this time. But for future, middle of this year, I intend to do what must be done“) Paper with watermark. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in De Gaulle´s hand. Postmarked and stamped. Small overall age wear. G to VG
MALRAUX ANDRÉ: (1901-1976) French Novelist. Well-remembered for his novel La Condition Humaine (“Man´s Fate”), 1933. French President De Gaulle appointed Malraux Information Minister 1945-46, and during his second mandate he appointed again Malraux as the first France´s cultural affairs Minister 1958-69. A very fine T.L.S., `A. Malraux´, one page, 8vo, Paris, 21st March 1960, to Madame Dominique Aury, in French. On the printed stationery of the Minister of State in charge of the cultural affairs, Malraux states `Le 26, je dois m´occuper (indirectement) de Mr. Khrouchtchev… Mais racontez a nos amis l´histoire du chat….´ (“On the 26th, I have to take care (indirectly) of Mr. Khrushchev… But tell our friends the story of the cat..”) VG Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971) First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1953-64.
KAPODISTRIAS IOANNIS: (1776-1831) Greek Count and Statesman. One of the most distinguished diplomats of Europe. First Head of State of independent Greece 1827-31. Widely considered the founder of the modern Greek state. Kapodistrias also served as the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Empire 1816-22 under Alexander I, and was succeeded by Count Nesselrode. A good A.L.S. `Kapodystrias´, one page, 4to, n.p., Tuesday 11h, n.d., to a Count, in French. Kapodistrias states in part `En rentrant chez moi j´ai trouvé le billet dont votre Excellence m´a honoré. Je ferai tout ce qui peut dépendre de moi pour transmettre a votre Excellence les articles demain Avant dix heures. Le Prince Gartinsky qui devait rectifier la nomenclature de ceux qui regardant les limites ne me les ayant transmis que tres tard..´ (“On returning home I found the note with which your Excellency honoured me. I will do everything I can to send your Excellency the articles tomorrow before ten o'clock. Prince Gartinsky who had to rectify the nomenclature for those who look at the limits having sent them to me only very late..”) further referring to the corrections he has instructed to do. With blank integral leaf. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG
WOJCIECHOWSKI STANISLAW: (1869-1953) President of Poland 1922-26 during the Second Polish Republic. He succeeded President Gabriel Narutowicz after his assassination. Wojciechowski resigned in 1926 after a military coup leaded by General Jozef Pilsudski. A very fine L.S., S. Wojciechowski, two pages, two separate sheets, 4to, Belvedere Palace, Warsaw, 21st December 1922, to the President of the Cuban Republican, in French. Wojciechowski informs his correspondent about his recent election as President of Poland, stating in part `J´ai l´honneur de porter a la connaissance de Votre Excellence que le Président de la République Gabriel Narutowicz étant décédé, le Sénat et la Diete de Pologne, réunis en assemblée Nationale le 20 Décembre dernier, M´ayant élu et proclamé Président de la République de Pologne. J´ai pris le meme jour possession des pouvoirs que Me confere la Constitution…´ (“I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that because of the death of the President of the Republic Gabriel Narutowicz, the Senate and the Diet of Poland after a meeting at the National Assembly on December 20th, have elected and proclaimed my person as President of the Republic of Poland. On the same day, I took possession of the powers conferred to Me by the Constitution”) Small overall minor foxing and very small creasing, otherwise G to VG Alfredo de Zayas y Alfonso (1861-1934) President of Cuba 1921-25.
AVELLANEDA NICOLAS: (1837-1885) President of Argentina 1874-80. Ink signature ('N Avellaneda') and lengthy inscription to one page of a piece of 4to printed stationery from the President of Argentina, dated Buenos Aires, 9th August 1879 in his hand. The inscription, in Spanish, states 'Greetings from the Argentine Republic to the distinguished and venerable lady who makes a collection of autographs, and I present to her the sincere homage of my personal respect'. With integral leaf featuring an English translation in an unidentified hand in purple indelible pencil. Inscribed to Mary Ford, wife of Sir Francis Clare Ford, and with an A.N.S., F. C. Ford, by him to the lower left corner, 'Autograph of Senor Avellaneda, President of the Argentine Republic in 1878-1879 when I was H. M.'s Minister at Buenos Aires'. Together with an 8vo page of manuscript notes, unsigned, in the hand of Mary Ford, being English extracts from a letter of Avellaneda's to Francis Clare Ford on his arrival in Buenos Aires to present his credentials to the President, August 1879. Lightly laid down to a card and also featuring a small English newspaper article relating to Avellaneda. Some light age wear, G to VG, 2 Sir Francis Clare Ford (1828-1899) English Diplomat who served as Minister Plenipotentiary to Argentina 1878-79 and later as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil 1879-81 and Ambassador to Spain 1887-92.
SLAVERY ABOLITION DECREE - CUBA: CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO CARLOS MANUEL (1819-1874) Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the ''Father of the Motherland'', Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. An attractive signed printed document, one page, large folio, Bayamo, 27th December 1868, in Spanish. The document being a decree is entitled ''Slavery Conditioned Abolition Decree - Carlos Manuel de Cespedes - Captain-General of the Liberator Army of Cuba and Leader of the Provisional Government'', and bears a very attractive and large vignette to the heading, showing the flag Cuban star, and a Cuban shaking hands with indigenous. The decree contains nine articles, and commences stating “The Cuban Revolution, proclaiming the independence of the Homeland and with it all freedoms, cannot accept the inconsistency of restricting it to only one part of the country´s population. A free Cuba is incompatible with a proslavery Cuba..´ further saying on its first article `All slaves are declared free..´. Boldly signed by Cespedes at the base of the document `C. M de Cespedes´. Bearing a large blind embossed seal to the head and a large black paper seal affixed, both of the Liberator Cuban army. Overall age wear, with multiple tears to the edges, and overall staining, with fox stains. Repaired to the verso. F
‘He as you know is a brave boy. He was smiling all the time though the pain was great’ GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948) Indian Political and spiritual leader during the Indian Independence movement. A.L.S., yours ever, Old Friend, and also signed from M K Gandhi at the head of the first page, two pages (separate leaves), 8vo, Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India), 3rd June n.y., to 'My dear Friend'. Gandhi states that there is little to report and continues 'I had two cases of scorpion bites, one in the Astra (?) and the other from without. In the Astra one it was Ramashankar who was the victim. He as you know is a brave boy. He was smiling all the time though the pain was great. I treated both the cases with mud bandages & in both there was considerable relief. So you will come as an eye doctor. Well we shall need you for that & much more', concluding 'I have to get ready for a meeting, so goodbye and much love from us all'. The nib of Gandhi's pen frequently needed replenishing whilst writing the present letter, making some words bolder than others, although the complete text remains legible. Some light creasing, a couple of very small, minor pin rust stains to the upper left corner of each page and one small, light stain to the second page, not affecting the text or signature. About VGIn Hindu religion an Astra is a supernatural weapon invoked by mantras to summon the energy of a specific deity.
MARX BROTHERS THE: Groucho Marx (1890-1977) American film comedian. Signed 10 x 8 photograph of Marx in a head and shoulders pose alongside his siblings, Harpo and Chico, each wearing their familiar costumes. The A & M Records publicity photograph is signed by Groucho with his first name only in bold black ink to the clear background; Chico Marx (1887-1961) American film comedian. Vintage signed sepia postcard photograph of Marx seated in a three-quarter length pose at his piano. Signed in blue ink with his name alone to a dark area of the image; Harpo Marx (1888-1964) American film comedian. Blue ink signature ('Harpo Marx') on an oblong 12mo sheet of paper featuring a printed caricature of Marx seated in a full-length pose playing his harp; Zeppo Marx (1901-1979) American actor who appeared in the first five Marx Brothers feature films alongside his siblings. D.S., Zeppo Marx, being a signed cheque, Los Angeles, California, 27th April 1971. The partially printed cheque is drawn on the Security Pacific National Bank and is made payable to the Standard Oil Company of California for the sum of $117.69. The signature is unaffected by the perforated bank cancellation. Some light age wear and a couple of minor creases and tears to the edges of the piece signed by Harpo Marx, G to generally VG, 4
FUNES LOUIS DE: (1914-1983) French Comedy Actor. A rare and excellent 3.5 x 5.5 signed and inscribed photograph `L.de Funes´, the Pierre Manciet from Nice image showing the French comedian in a head and shoulders pose. Signed and inscribed in bold blue ink `Pour M. Klaus Dieter Zoddach, avec mon Meilleur souvenir L.de Funes´ to the lower white border. Also dated in his hand 1970. VG to EX
CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948) British Land & Water Speed Record Holder. T.L.S., M. Campbell, two pages, oblong 8vo, Reigate, 2nd March 1948, to Squadron Leader S. A. Young-James. Campbell thanks his correspondent for their letter and regrets that Young-James will not be able to be present at a lecture, continuing 'I note, however, there is a possibility of one of your friends from the R.A.F. Club attending and I hope he will come and make himself known to me sometime during that evening. I will be very glad to give a similar lecture at a date to be arranged, to members of the Allied Circle Club and no doubt if your friend attends….he will be able to tell you whether the subject I will be talking about will be of sufficient interest to them'. One file hole to the upper left corner and some extremely light, minor age wear at the folds, about VG
MORGAN MICHELE: (1920-2016) French film Actress. Signed 11 x 15 abstract watercolour by Morgan on a Canson drawing paper. Signed `M. Morgan´ in black ink to the bottom right corner, also dated `Nov 67´, in her hand. Bearing to the verso a second watercolour. From 1970 Morgan spent a large part of her life to her passion, the painting. About VG
MORGAN MICHELE: (1920-2016) French film Actress. Attractive signed 5.5 x 8 drawing (13.5cm x 20cm) by Morgan, on a Canson drawing paper. Morgan draws several abstract geometrical figures, using several colours. Signed `M. Morgan´ in black ink to the bottom right corner. Bearing to the verso a Michele Morgan succession ink stamp. From 1970 Morgan spent a large part of her life to her passion, the painting. EX
LUMIERE LOUIS: (1864-1948) French Pioneer Filmmaker, along with his brother Auguste. An excellent and rare A.L.S., `Louis´, to his brother Auguste Lumiere, three pages, 8vo, [16th August], on his printed heading "Les Lucioles - Houlgate - Calvados - Tel 11", in French. Louis Lumiere begins his letter with `Mon cher Vieux´ ("My Old dear") addressing to his brother, and states in part `Combien je suis peiné d´apprendre le gros accroc subi par notre bon vieux Papus. Va t-il s´en tirer…. c´est bien a toi qu´il le devra car sans la diligence que tu as apporté a le faire opérer, il était perdu. Et quelle journée tu as eu mon pauvre vieux! Tu aurais besoin de repos car ce surmenage finira par te jouer de mauvais tours. Crois moi´ ("How sad I am to learn of the big hitch suffered by our good old Papus. Will he get away with it... it is to you that he will owe it because without the diligence that you had to have him operated, he was lost. And what a day you had my poor old man! You would need to rest because this overwork will end up playing tricks on you. Believe me " Louis Lumiere further refers to his own health, saying `Je vais mieux depuis deux jours mais non sans douleurs nerveuses, cette nuit encore, ells m´ont reveillé´ ("I've been better the last two days but not without nervous pains, this night again, they woke me up") A letter of good association, in part relating to family and friends. VG
LESUEUR JEAN-FRANCOIS: (1760-1837) French Composer. Composer of the Royal Chapel and Conductor of the orchestra of the Opera. Among his composition pupils at the Paris Conservatoire were Berlioz, Gounod and Ambroise Thomas. A rare and very fine A.L.S., `LeSueur, M[em]ber of the Legion d´Honneur, Composer and musical Director of His Majesty the Emperor and King´, one page, 4to, [Paris], 8th July 1809, to the Minister of the Interior, in French. Lesueur responds to the Minister´s information request stating in part `I dare assure His Excellency the Minister of the Interior, that I only know Mr. Vieilh-Varenne by reports which are extremely favourable to him; and all I have heard concerning this estimable artist is as creditable as possible, as much for his talent, as for the good conduct which he has always maintained. I believe him worthy to fill with distinction the place which he solicits from your Excellency..´, further apologizing for interrupting his correspondent `..interrupting you Monseigneur in the important affairs which occupy you, from the certainty I feel of the kindness and interest which your Excellency deigns to show towards unfortunate talents.´, and before concluding saying `…is his lively and sincere attachment to the sacred persons of our august Sovereigns.´The present letter was part of the reputed collection of Wilhelm Kunzel (1819-1896). Neatly affixed to a slightly larger paper-card. Accompanied by a full translation of the letter into English. Small overall minor foxing and age wear to the upper part of the letter, otherwise G The present letter is addressed to the Minister of Interior. From June to October 1809 the Minister was Joseph Fouché (1759-1820) Duke of Otranto. Best-known as Minister of Police under the Directory, the Consulate and the Empire. Although most probably the letter was addressed to his predecessor Emmanuel Crétet (1747-1809) Count of Champmol and first Governor of the Bank of France. Minister of the Interior from 1807 until June 09. Crétet spent very important amounts as Minister, encouraging learning and arts. Vieilh-Varenne was a French Painter and Engraver. Pupil of Joseph-Marie Vien, first painter of the King.
TWO DIAMOND-SET RINGS1st: Set with an old brilliant-cut diamond, approx. 0.65ct, 2nd: Star-set with an old brilliant-cut diamond, approx. 0.10ct, mounted in yellow gold, 2nd: Signed S.BROS, UK hallmark, ring sizes approx.: 1st N½, 2nd M½ (2)For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
CHOPARD: 'HAPPY DIAMONDS LOVE' RINGThe bombé ring depicting the word 'LOVE' pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the letter 'O' represented by a glazed heart-shaped case holding a brilliant-cut diamond, signed Chopard, numbered, ring size approx. M½, maker's caseFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
OPAL AND DIAMOND RING; OPAL AND DIAMOND PENDANT/NECKLACE1: The ring set with a triangular shaped white opal, accented at one corner by brilliant-cut diamonds, 2nd: The triangular-shaped white opal on a fancy-link chain, ring size approx. M½, pendent 3.7cm, chain 72.0cm (2)Footnotes:This lot is part of a large private collection of 20th century jewellery that was formed over several decades. The collection represents the breadth of innovation and creativity of jewels made during the second half of the 20th century as well as the collectors' eye for superior design and appreciation of jewellery as an art form.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
FANCY-LINK NECKLACE; DIAMOND-SET RING AND EARRING SUITE1st: The necklace designed as a series of bi-coloured fancy-links, 2nd: The ring designed as a tri-coloured leaf accented by brilliant-cut diamonds, the earrings of matching design, mounted in 18 carat gold, 2nd: UK import marks, lengths: necklace 41.0cm, earrings 2.0cm, ring size approx. M (3)Footnotes:This lot is part of a large private collection of 20th century jewellery that was formed over several decades. The collection represents the breadth of innovation and creativity of jewels made during the second half of the 20th century as well as the collectors' eye for superior design and appreciation of jewellery as an art form.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
DIAMOND AND COLOURED DIAMOND DRESS RING, CIRCA 1995-2000; RUBELLITE AND TSAVORITE GARNET DRESS RING1st: Of bombé design set with brilliant-cut diamonds and diamonds of brown tint, 2nd: The pear-shaped rubellite within a pear-shaped tsavorite garnet surround, diamonds untested for natural colour, ring sizes approx. N and M (2)Footnotes:This lot is part of a large private collection of 20th century jewellery that was formed over several decades. The collection represents the breadth of innovation and creativity of jewels made during the second half of the 20th century as well as the collectors' eye for superior design and appreciation of jewellery as an art form.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
DIAMOND AND COLOURED DIAMOND EARCLIPS, EARRINGS AND RING, CIRCA 20001st: The articulated earrings, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, brilliant-cut diamonds of brown and grey tint and treated black diamonds, 2nd: The earrings of bombé design pavé-set with treated black diamonds, mounted in blackened metal, 3rd: The ring of abstract leaf design, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds and treated black diamonds, diamonds untested for natural colour, 1st signed Gavello, lengths: 1st 6.7cm, 2nd 2.7cm, 3rd ring size approx. M (3)Footnotes:This lot is part of a large private collection of 20th century jewellery that was formed over several decades. The collection represents the breadth of innovation and creativity of jewels made during the second half of the 20th century as well as the collectors' eye for superior design and appreciation of jewellery as an art form.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
CULTURED PEARL, CORAL AND DIAMOND RING AND EARRING SUITEOf crossover design, pavé-set with brilliant cut diamonds and a 13.8mm cultured pearl of black tint and coral corallium rubrum sphere, the earrings of matching design, ring size approx. M, earring length 3.4cm (2)Footnotes:Please note, this lot will be subject to US Fish and Wildlife regulations if imported into the USA.This lot is part of a large private collection of 20th century jewellery that was formed over several decades. The collection represents the breadth of innovation and creativity of jewels made during the second half of the 20th century as well as the collectors' eye for superior design and appreciation of jewellery as an art form.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: YY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
DIAMOND PLAQUE RINGThe square-shaped plaque set with a cushion-shaped diamond within a baguette and square-cut diamond surround, between baguette-cut diamond shoulders, principal diamond approx. 2.20cts, remaining diamonds approx. 1.70cts total, ring size approx. M½For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
DIAMOND CLUSTER RINGThe oval-cut diamond, weighing 0.54 carat, within a brilliant-cut diamond-set mount, ring size L-MFootnotes:Accompanied by a report from GIA stating that the diamond is G colour, VS2 clarity. Report numbered 5151738034, dated 29 October 2013.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
ROSSINI GIOACCHINO: (1792-1868) Italian Composer. A prolific composer, known as 'The Italian Mozart', who until his retirement in 1829 had been the most popular opera composer in history. A very fine A.L., two pages, small 4to, n.p., [1851], to Antonio Duci, in Italian. Rossini reports how excited he is with the new musical instrument, the Baristrato, stating in part `I rejoice with you for the new instrument which I listened to thanks to your brother and which has just arrived here. The musical effect of this new mechanism is wonderful, the oscillating vibration of the low sounds which, in my opinion, are the first merit of this invention with much sense applied to sacred music…´ Rossini, fascinated by this new musical instrument, the Baristrato, further concludes `..they will bring a marvelous vigour to harmony..´ Paper with watermark. Very small overall minor age wear and creasing, otherwise VG Rossini´s correspondent is Antonio Duci, a piano trader from Florence. Rossini refers to Antonio´s brother, Carlo Duci (1837-1900), a renowned pianist and composer. From Liszt´s letters we have a good idea of the role of Carlo Ducci in the instrumental world of Florence. In 1878 Liszt wrote `Thanks to the kindness of M. Carlo Ducci, who between Florence and Rome has more than two hundred pianos for hire…´
GRIEG EDVARD: (1843-1907) Norwegian Composer. Author of the incidental music to Peer Gynt, and the Holberg Suite. Signed postcard photograph `Edvard Grieg´, the image depicting the composer in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in light dark ink at the base of the photograph. Postmarked to the verso 28th November 1903 and addressed to M. Anderson, Madame Krieg Pascal in Lausanne. With very small remnants of tape affixing to the verso and upper right corner very slightly cropped, otherwise G
MALIBRAN MARIA: (1808-1836) Spanish Mezzo-Soprano. Rare A.L.S., `Malibran´, three pages, 8vo, `Passing via Bristol on my way to Exeter´, n.d. 1829, to Baron Denniée, in Paris, in French. A young 21 years old Malibran sends an amusing letter, explaining first her near future timetable `Nous partons demain pour Exeter… Nous serons le 24 en chemin pour Paris. Nous serons le 26 a Calais´ (“We leave tomorrow to Exeter… We will be on our way to Paris the 24th. We will be at Calais the 26th”), further saying that she expects a charming letter from his correspondent and blame him in a funny way, stating `Je vous prie d´adresser une lettre pour moi a l´hotel Meurice, dans laquelle apres m´avoir dit toutes les jolies choses que vous savez si bien dire sans avoir l´air de vous en apercevoir… je termine ma lettre en vous disant que vous êtes un villain, qui n´avez pas voulu me répondre. Je vous ai écrit de Gloucester, de Chester, de tous les coins du monde… mais il parait que l´année n´est pas favorable aux gens qui se dédient a la litérature, aux beaux arts, et qui se dédient comme moi de la maniere la plus dévouée au style épistolaire… Hum!!´ (“Please send a letter for me to the Hotel Meurice, in which, after having told me all the pretty things that you so well know how to express without seeming to notice it… I will end my letter by telling you that you are a villain, who did not want to answer me. I have written to you from Gloucester, from Chester, from all over the world... but it seems that the year is not favourable to people who dedicate themselves to literature, to the fine arts, and who, like me, dedicate themselves in the most devoted manner to the epistolary style… Hum!!” Before concluding, Malibran refers to her own foolishness, saying `Savez vous ce qui me gene toujours au moment de finir vos lettres? C´est d´être oblige de signer Malibran a la suite de toutes les bêtises du monde´ (“Do you know what always bothers me when finishing your letters? It is to be forced to sign Malibran following all my foolery”) With addressee to the verso, with post ink stamps. Letters of Maria Malibran are rare and very desirable after her early death at the age of 28. Very small minor creasing and a very small hole to the third page as a result of the letter opening, not affecting the text or signature. G to VG
INGRES JEAN-AUGUSTE-DOMINIQUE: (1780-1867) French Neoclassical Painter. Autograph statement by Ingres, signed `J. Ingres´, two pages, 12mo, n.p., n.d., to Monsieur Capelet, in French. To a page removed from an autograph album, four personalities have written in their hand four short statements, two the front and two to the verso. To the front page Ingres cleanly and boldly writes `Je m´honore de partager les voeux philantropiques de Mr. Capelet. J´applaudis au zele qu´il montre pour le bien de l´humanité, et puisqu´on dit que les arts descendent du ciel pour adoucir les moeurs des hommes et les rendre meilleurs, je voudrais les voir mettre au nombre des premiers enseignements, et qu´enfin les hommes apprissent a dessiner en meme temps qu´a lire et a écrire´ (“I am honoured to share the philanthropic wishes of Mr. Capelet. I applaud the zeal he shows for the good of humanity, and since it is said that the arts come down from heaven to soften the morals of men and make them better, I would like to see the arts put among the first teachings, and that finally men learn to draw at the same time as to read and write”) Accompanied by a 2.5 x 4 cabinet visiting-card of Ingres, unsigned, the Desmaisons image, from Paris, showing Ingres in a half-length pose. To the front page also and above Ingres´ statement, a short statement by Giuseppe Casparo Mezzofanti (1774-1849) Italian Cardinal and Linguist, considered the major polyglot in history, speaking fluently 48 different languages. Mezzofanti states `Quand la religion t´anime d´un esprit noble et magnanime, tu soulages l´humanité´ (“When religion animates you with a noble and magnanimous spirit, you relieve humanity”) To the verso bearing an autograph statement by Xavier Sigalon (1787-1837) French Painter, a leader of the romantic movement. VG
KISLING MOISE: (1891-1953) Polish-born French Painter. He served in the French Foreign Legion in World War I. A.L.S., M. Kisling, one page, oblong 4to, being a folded 8vo stiff written to the inside, La Baie, Sanary-sur-mer, 3rd January 1950, to a friend, in French. Kisling sends his greetings to his correspondent and states in part `..1950 will be a year better than others - you will see what I say - it will be a marvellous one! How are you? If you come to visit our continent, do not forget your friends.´ Further reminding his address in Paris. VG
MORRIS WILLIAM: (1834-1896) English Textile Designer & Artist, associated with the Arts and Crafts movement and the Pre-Raphaelites. An unusual D.S., with his initials W M, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (c.1891). The printed document is a proof page, numbered 78, from the Kelmscott edition of Poems By the Way (1891) and features a large decorative woodcut initial W at the commencement of Thunder in the Garden. Signed in ink by Morris to the upper left corner and with a few small ink corrections. Some light staining and several small tears to the edges, about G
NOLAND KENNETH: (1924-2010) American painter. A.L.S., Kenneth Noland, one page, folio, n.p. (New York), 6th November 1972, to Lawrence Diefenbach. Noland states that he has been building a new studio and moving from his old one and has therefore not had the time to reply earlier although hopes that his correspondent's exhibition was a success, continuing 'I don't think that an autograph or an autographed photograph would have added to your exhibit, but I did want to let you know how much I appreciate your effort', and further writing 'You asked me which one artist that I consider has influenced my work the most. I would have to say Paul Klee. I studied his work the most. There are many others, Matisse, Picasso, Pollock and the older masters especially Titian'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Noland. Together with Allan D'Arcangelo (1930-1998) American artist and printmaker. A.L.S., Allan M D'Arcangelo, one page (folding air mail stationery), 8vo, n.p. (Ithaca, New York), 17th May 1968, to Dr. F. Schweighofer. D'Arcangelo writes, in full, 'I believe I already sent you a sample of my handwriting but since I am so interested in your project I am sending another sample. Best wishes to you in your research'. Hand addressed by D'Arcangelo to the verso. Some light age wear and creasing, about VG, 2
CARPEAUX JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1827-1875) French Sculptor and Painter. A fine and interesting content A.L.S., `J.Bte Carpeaux´, three pages, 8vo, n.p., 9th July 1873, to a friend, in French. Carpeaux starts referring to French author Alexandre Dumas, and tries to help his correspondent´s cousin stating in part `Mr. Dumas m´a répondu qu´il veut bien lire la piece de ton cousin et qu´il attend de la recevoir. Elle a donc été égarée par la personne chargée de la mettre a la Poste..´ (“Mr. Dumas replied to me that he would be happy to read your cousin's play and that he is waiting to receive it. It was therefore misplaced by the person in charge of sending it through the post office...”), further explaining that it is not worth to spend time checking at the post office where the parcel is, and it is worth sending a new copy to Dumas´ address at Dieppe. Carpeaux further again wishes good luck to his correspondent and says `J´espere que tout ira pour le mieux. Car Dumas m´a dit qu´il lira la piece sachant que cela me fera Plaisir, et qu´il m´en dira son sentiment. Il est donc bon quelques fois d´etre malade, cela peut servir aux amis´ (“I hope that everything will work well. Because Dumas told me that he will read the play knowing that it will please me, and that he will tell me his feelings about it. It is therefore good sometimes to be sick, it can be useful to friends”) At the conclusion Carpeaux says goodbye as `De tout coeur, ton vieil ami´ (“With all my heart, your old friend”) A letter of good association, reporting on Carpeaux and Dumas fils friendship, and mentioning Carpeaux´s illness in the last years of his life. Very small repair to the fold and extremely small tear to the right edge, otherwise G Alexandre Dumas, Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. Author of the romantic novel La Dame aux Camelias (“The Lady of the Camellias”), published in 1848, which was adapted into Verdi´s 1853 opera La Traviata.
LEO XI: (1535-1605) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 1605. His 27 days pontificate is one of the briefest in history, lasting from first to 27th April. Born Alessandro Ottaviano De´Medici, the fourth and last member of the prominent House of Medici elected pope. He was called ''Papa Lampo'' (''Lightning pope'') for his short reign. Very rare L.S., `Il Card[ina]le di Firenze´, with two lines holograph annotation, one page, 4to, Florence, 10th June 1594, in Italian. Leo XI, in his capacity as Archbishop of Florence 1574-96, annotates at the base of a letter received the 21st May 1594, `Il vicario risponda come habbiamo scrittoli il di 10 di giugno 1594´ ("The vicar will respond as we wrote them, on the 10th June 1594"). The letter was sent to the future Pope by friar Adamo Vidali, from the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Florence, asking the approval to `…si contenta di fare al nostro convento questo favore, di dare il pulpito di S[an]ta Maria del Fiore, per questo avvento prossimo, al nostro pa[dre] m[aest]ro Cornelio Guarguanti…´ ("If you admit to do our convent this favour, to give the pulpit of Santa Maria del Fiore, for this coming advent, to our father master Cornelio Guarguanti..") With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed. Overall age wear, with minor staining, and irregularly trimmed upper and right edges, otherwise G Cornelio Guarguanti (?-1602) friar of the Carmelites order, and vice-vicar in Toscana.
CLEMENT XII: (1652-1740) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1730-40. Clement XII started the construction of the Trevi Fountain. Rare L.S., `L.[orenzo] Card.[inal] Corsini´, in his capacity as Cardinal of Santa Susanna 1706-20, one page, 4to, Rome, 7th January 1713, to Gaetano Galletti of Florence, in Italian. The future Pope responds to his correspondent and sends his best greetings stating in part `…Non posso vedermi confermato da V.S. il Suo affetto senza mio molto compiacimento; Ond´e che ben caro m´e stato l´augurio di prosperita da lei inviatomi..´ With address leaf, bearing a paper seal with coat of arms affixed. Autographs of Clement XII are rare, and unknown as Pope, since he was blind since 1732. Small overall minor creasing, otherwise G to VG
PIUS VIII: (1761-1830) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Ruler of the Papal States 1829-30. A very short pontificate of one year and ten days. An excellent A.L.S., `Francesco Saverio Vescovo di M. Alto´ ("Francesco Saverio Bishop of Montalto delle Marche"), one page, 4to, Monte Alto, 20th January 1805, to Count Francesco Gallo Ruffo of Fermo, in Italian. The future Pope refers to matters of interest for his diocese, and thanks his correspondent for forwarding to him information related to a college, stating in part `Ho ricevuto con piacere le istruzioni.. che sara veramente nobile, e proporcionato all Citta; nella mia Diocesi che e tutta povera..´, ("I have received with pleasure the instructions .. it will be truly noble, and proportionate to the City; in my Diocese which is so poor...´ Further, Pius VIII reports on a young man his correspondent asks about `Sul Giovane… poca abilita..´, and before concluding `Per necesita si conviene la dilazione sul nostro primario affare..´ Paper with attractive watermarks. With With address leaf. G to VG
FRANCIS DE SALES: (1567-1622) Saint of the Catholic Church. Bishop of Geneva. Known for his writings such as the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. St. Francis de Sales has been styled ''the Gentleman Saint'' because of his patience and gentleness. Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists, because he made extensive use of broadsheets and books. Very rare Autograph Letter, one page, 4to, Annecy, 17th February 1616, to Madame de La Fléchere, in French. Francis of Sales sends a letter reporting on different matters, adding a cross to the heading and commencing with his correspondent´s personal family situation, stating in part `Ma tres chere fille, Hier au soir seulement je reçois votre lettre et je réponds ce matin, jour des Cendres. Il m´est avis que ces formalités de tuteur de vos enfants sont superflues, puisque tout est votre et qu´aussi bien votre époux Nouveau ne vous demandera point de dote. Néanmoins, vous savez quel homme je suis pour les affaires du monde, certes je n´y entends rien du tout! C´est pourquoi je vous conseille….´ (“My very dear daughter, only yesterday evening I received your letter and I answer this morning. It is my opinion that these formalities of tutoring your children are superfluous, since everything is yours and your new husband will not ask you for a dowry. Nevertheless, you know what a man I am for the affairs of the world, certainly I understand nothing at all! That is why I advise you to…“ Francis de Sales further refers to Mr. Guidebois´ complaints, stating `En verité, il faut aider M. Guidebois afin qu´il ait sa pension tant que nous pourrons, car le pauvre homme serait miserable sans cela… je l´assisterai en ce que je pourrai, afin qu´il ne soit pas frustré de sa juste pretention. Et M. le Comte n´en saura rien, ou s´il le sait, il n´aura point d´occasion de vous en savoir mauvais gré´ (“The truth is that we must help as much as we can Mr. Guidebois so that he has his pension, because the poor man would be miserable without it... I will help him as much as I can, so that he is not frustrated with his pension and fair claim. And the Count won't know anything about it, or if he does, he won't have the opportunity to find out about you unwillingly” Francis de Sales further adds few more advices to Madame de la Fléchere regarding her new marriage and also explains that they have a brave new preacher and refers to Madame la Comtesse stating `Madame la Comtesse a laquelle j´ai envie de donner de la moderation en ses affections, selon le besoin que je vois par la démusérée ardeur qu´elle a en la solicitation de faire M. Nacot, vicaire...´ (“Madame the Countess to whom I want to give moderation in her affections, according to the need that I see by the unmistakable eagerness that she has in the solicitation to make M. Nacot, vicar…”) With paper seal affixed to the verso and the addressee´s name. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG Jean François Melchior Guidebois, born in 1586, is the son of a notary, of a noble family provenance. Guidebois was appointed prior at Notre-Dame de Vion but further resigned of his rights in favour of Claude-François de la Fléchere, husband of the correspondent of Francis de Sales.The Count Saint Francis refers to is Charles de la Forest, brother of Madame de la Fléchere.Madame la Comtesse is Philiberte de Beaufort, Countess of Tournon.
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL: (1581-1660) French Catholic Priest. Venerated both in the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII. Vincent de Paul is known for his humility and for serving the poor. Extremely rare and lengthy L.S., `Vincent de Paul I.[ndigne] P.[retre] d[e] l[a] M[ission]´, (''Vincent de Paul, Unworthy Priest of the Mission''), with five lines in his hand, three pages, 4to, Paris, 7th June 1658, to Firmin Get, in French. Saint Vincent de Paul commences referring to his correspondent´s letter and to Knight Paul who has accepted to go to Barbaria, stating in part `La grace de Notre Seigneur soit avec vous pour jamais. J´ai été fort console de votre lettre qui m´apprend votre voyage de Toulon et ce que vous avez négocié avec Mr. le Commandeur Paul. Il me semble que vous ne pourriez agir avec plus de discrétion ni de succes… j´ai mis en déliberation si je devais me donner l´honneur de lui écrire pour l´en remercier, mais je m´en suis trouvé indigne pour n´avoir des paroles répondantes à l´honneur de son affection et a la grandeur de son courage. Je me propose seulement de célébrer la Sainte Messe en action de grace a Dieu....´ (“The grace of Our Lord be with you forever. I was very consoled by your letter which tells me about your trip to Toulon and what you have negotiated with Commander Paul. It seems to me that you could not act with more discretion or success… I have been deliberating whether I should give myself the honour of writing to him to thank him for it, but I found myself unworthy for not having words responding to the honour of his affection and the greatness of his courage. I do only intend to celebrate Holy Mass in thanksgiving to God…”) Saint Vincent de Paul further comments on what he considered cannot be expected at this stage from the King, mentioning the Dunkerke siege and saying `.. Et pour vous dire ma pensée a vous, s´ils refusent l´entretien de l´armée pendant les deux mois, je n´estime pas qu´il faille attendre du Roy a cause du siege important de la ville Dunkerke par mer et par terre….´ (“And to tell you my thought, if they refuse the maintenance of the army during the two months, I do not consider that it is necessary to wait for the King because of the important siege of the Dunkirk city by sea and by earth he is involved with..”) Further again Saint Vincent comments the possibility of sending Philippe Le Vacher to Alger, refers to Le Vacher´s proposals regarding the Turkish and to his return to Marseille and Paris, saying `Il faut envoyer quelqu´un en Alger pour négocier avec le Pasha… les Turcs lui pourront faire quelques avances, mais j´ai peine a le croire… Mr. le Vacher partira pour Marseille dans dix ou douze jous… il a beaucoup travaillé´ (“We have to send someone to Algiers to negotiate with the Pasha… the Turks could make some advances to him, but I find it hard to believe… Mr. le Vacher will leave for Marseille in ten or twelve days… he has worked a lot“) Referring to the funds he has forwarded to Firmin Get, Saint Vincent de Paul is very much concerned, and states in part `Je suis en peine du lieu où vous garderez cet argent. Je crains qu´il ne soit pas en sureté chez vous qui logez hors de la ville, et la pensé m´est venue si vous ne feriez pas bien de le mettre aux Carmélites, où il n´y aurait rien a craindre en y faisant porter votre coffre-fort a deux serrures… Priez Mr. Napollon de ne point dire que vous l´avez, de crainte que la nouvelle n´aille jusqu´a Alger…´ (“I am worried about where you will keep this money. I fear it is not safe with you lodging outside the town, and a thought has occurred to me, and that is if you would not do well to leave it with the Carmelites, where there would be nothing to fear, sending to them your safe with two locks… Please ask Mr. Napollon not to say that you have it, lest the news reach Algiers… ”) Before concluding he says that nothing else should be sent to the Consul `Il ne faut plus rien envoyer au Consul, qu´on lui envoi tout et qu´on ne sache a quoi il emploi l´argent..´ (“We must not send anything more to the Consul, we send everything to him and we do not know what he uses the money for..”) To the inside pages borders, in vertical, Saint Vincent adds five lines in his hand, boldly written, in his difficult writing, and informs his correspondent that he is sending two letters for the Commandant Paul, one from the King and one from Mazarin. Overall age wear and creasing, with small professional repair to the last addressee page, otherwise about G Saint Vincent de Paul refers to Louis XIV (1638-1715) King of France. The Dunkirk siege in 1658 was a military operation by the allied forces of France and Commonwealth England intended to take the fortified port city of Dunkirk, an important Spanish base at the time. Dunkirk (Dutch for 'Church in the dunes') was a strategic port on the southern coast of the English Channel in the Spanish Netherlands. The French and their English Commonwealth allies were commanded by Turenne, Marshal of France. The siege would last a month and featured numerous sorties by the garrison and a determined relief attempt by the Spanish army under the command of Don Juan de Austria and his confederate English royalists under Duke of York and rebels of the French Fronde under the Great Condé that resulted in the battle of the Dunes.Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661) Italian Cardinal, Diplomat and chief of Minister to Kings Louis XIII and Louis XVI
TERESA MOTHER: (1910-1997) Albanian Roman Catholic Nun, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1979. Signed 6 x 4 blessing card by Mother Teresa, stating in bold blue ink `God bless you, M Teresa MC´. The card bears to the left border a small 1 x 1.5 newspaper photograph of Mother Teresa cleanly affixed, with her typed name beneath. VG
COHAN GEORGE M.: (1878-1942) American entertainer, considered the father of American musical comedy and the subject of the Oscar-winning biographical film Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). A.L.S., George M. Cohan, one page, 4to, New York City, 3rd October 1925, to Julius [Witmark]. Cohan writes a letter of introduction for Mr. Murphy of Boston, 'a friend of mine who has written and is writing songs, words and music', further remarking 'He has played over several of his numbers for me and there might be something in them of interest to you and your firm - Any encouragement or assistance you can give him in getting his material before the public will greatly please me…..' With numerous tears to the edges and a few small areas of paper loss, about G Julius Witmark - son of Marcus Witmark whose firm, M. Witmark & Sons, was established in New York City in 1886 and were the leading publisher of sheet music for the United States 'Tin Pan Alley' music industry.
GARRETT PAT: (1850-1908) American Lawman, Bartender and Customs Agent of America's Old West, famous for his pursuit and shooting of Billy the Kid. D.S., P. F. Garrett, two pages, oblong 4to, Jarilla, New Mexico, 12th December 1899. The attractive partially printed document is a share certificate for one hundred shares of $10 each of the capital stock of The Alabama Gold and Copper Mining Company, numbered 50 and issued to W. H. H. Llewellyn. Signed by Garrett at the foot in his capacity as Secretary of the company and countersigned by J. M. Llewellyn (most likely a relative of the shareholder) in his capacity as President. With the gold foil blind embossed seal affixed to the lower left corner. Scarce. VG
HOOVER J. EDGAR: (1895-1972) American law enforcement administrator, the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 1924-72. Blue fountain pen ink signature ('J. Edgar Hoover') on an oblong 12mo custom printed piece intended for autographs. Together with two identical United States postage First Day Covers honouring Law and Order, one signed by Clarence M. Kelley (1911-1997) American law enforcement officer who served as the second Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 1973-78, and the other signed by L. Patrick Gray (1916-2005) American law enforcement officer who served as Acting Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation May 1972-April 1973. Also including three unsigned photographs, one bearing a facsimile signature of Gray. VG to EX, 6
![[CRIME]: A printed broadside entitled Robbery, one page, small 4to, Newcastle, 30th April 1807. The broadside, printed by M.](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/ce7d8d81-6c8c-4c2c-99d1-ae5800fe9415/c672f2ce-27a6-4a23-bdfa-ae5b00d7f4e6/468x382.jpg)
[CRIME]: A printed broadside entitled Robbery, one page, small 4to, Newcastle, 30th April 1807. The broadside, printed by M. Angus and Son, states, in part, 'Whereas during the Night between Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th of April instant, the House of Sarah Duncan, in Pandon, was robbed of Bank Notes, Gold, and Silver, to a considerable amount, six Gold Rings for the Fore-Finger…..a small silver box….and a Quantity of valuable wearing apparel', continuing to offer a reward for the suspect, 'And whereas Rebecca Coxon, who absconded from the House of the said Sarah Duncan, during the Night above-mentioned, stands charged with having committed the said Robbery, a reward of Ten Guineas, and all Expences, will be paid by the said Sarah Duncan, to any Person or Persons who may apprehend…..Rebecca Coxon, and securing her in any Gaol', and also providing a description of Coxon, 'She is between Eighteen and Nineteen Years of Age, nearly Six Feet high, stoops forward in walking, fair Complexion, coarse Featured, light grey Eyes, light Hair, a Dimple on each Cheek, and has a remarkable long Neck, large Hands and Feet, and turns in her Toes when walking; she is a Native of Stockton, and speaks that Country Dialect; she had on when she went away, a light buff spotted Gown, white Petticoat and Stockings, and a Straw Hat'. Neatly annotated in ink in a contemporary, unidentified hand to the lower margin 'This is perhaps the first Advertisement about a Baudy-house being Robbd'. Very slightly irregularly trimmed and with a few small tears and minor areas of paper loss to the lower edge, about VG
ROTHSCHILD ANTHONY DE: (1810-1876) British financier, a member of the prominent Rothschild banking family of England, younger brother of Baron Lionel de Rothschild. L.S., N M Rothschild Fr., in the name of the banking family of brothers, one page, 4to, New Court (the Rothschild headquarters in London since 1809), 15th February 1844, to Baron de Neumann. Rothschild informs his correspondent that they 'have just received a letter from Baron S M de Rothschild in Vienna by which he informs us that he had deposited with Messrs. J. G. Schuller & Co. in conformity with Your Excellency's instructions fr 30,000…..[with]…..interest from the 1 Nov…..fr 33,675 which amount he had received for Your Excellency's account from the above named gentlemen, by which this transaction is settled'. Very slightly irregularly trimmed to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG Baron Philipp von Neumann (1781-1851) Austrian Diplomat who served as Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary for Austria to the Court of St. James's.
ROTHSCHILD BARON LIONEL DE: (1808-1879) British Jewish banker, politician and philanthropist, the first practicing Jew to sit as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. L.S., N M Rothschild fres., in the name of the banking family of brothers, one page, 4to, London, 15th September 1842, to Baron de Neumann. The letter states, in full, 'We hereby beg to inform Your Excellency that we hold at your disposal the sum of £1800 - say Eighteen Hundred Pounds Sterling and we hereby agree to allow you interest on the same at the rate of Four per cent per Annum commencing at the dates as mentioned at foot'. At the base of the page appear a series of calculations from 6th August 1841 to 1st January 1844. With blank integral leaf. VG Baron Philipp von Neumann (1781-1851) Austrian Diplomat who served as Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary for Austria to the Court of St. James's.
ROTHSCHILD NATHAN MEYER: (1777-1836) Jewish German Banker, Businessman and Financier, one of the second generation of the Rothschild Banking Dynasty. D.S., N M Rothschild, in his capacity as contractor, in the right margin, two pages, folio, n.p. (London?), 1st March 1822. The printed document, in Russian, French and English, is a financial certificate 'of a perpetual Annuity in the Great Book of the Public Debt of the Imperial Commission of the Sinking Fund, representing a Capital of Seven Hundred and Twenty Silver Roubles…', equal to £111. With various decorative engravings to either side and a number of official stamps. Some light overall age wear and some splitting at the central horizontal fold (neatly repaired with clear tape to the verso). G The present Russian bond of1822 is widely recognized by Economic historians as being the first Eurobond. Issued by the House of Rothschild in London, Frankfurt, Paris and Vienna, the bond promised payment in European currencies, as well as in Russian rubles. Perhaps more importantly, dividends could be claimed in any of the aforementioned cities, effectively protecting the bondholder from the effects of a continental war. Missing from the bond are the original coupons which would have been clipped and exchanged for payment. Although titled an annuity, the 1822 issue was in fact a perpetuity, a promise by Russia to pay a dividend to the bondholder forever, or at least until the Revolution of 1917.
MONTESQUIEU: (1689-1755) Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu. French Judge, Historian and political Philosopher. Montesquieu is the main source of separation of powers which is today implemented in many constitutions all over the world. His work The Spirit of Law (1748), anonymously published, strongly influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States when drafting the Constitution. Very rare L.S., Montesquieu, two pages, 4to, Bordeaux, 19th October 1748, to monsieur Titon Dutillet, in French. A very cleanly written letter, Montesquieu stating in part `J´ai reçu Monsieur la lettre obligeante que vous m´avez fait l´honneur de m´écrire au sujet de ma nouvelle Edition de la Grandeur des Romains, il serait bien flateur pour moi qu´elle eut plû a un homme aussi connoisseur que vous et don't l´esprit est rempli de tant de belles choses…´ (“I received Sir the obliging letter that you have had the honour to write to me about my new Edition of the Grandeur des Romains, it would be very flattering for me if it had pleased a man as connoisseur as you and whose mind is filled with so many beautiful things…”) Montesquieu further refers to his correspondent´s work, saying `Des que je fus arrive ici, mon premier soin fut de remettre a Mr. De Sarrau votre ouvrage immortel le Parnasse Français´ (“As soon as I arrived here, my first goal was to deliver to Mr. De Sarrau your immortal work, le Parnasse Français (the French Parnassus)”) With address leaf, written in his hand, bearing a red wax seal in fine condition. VG Evrard Titon du Tillet (1677-1762) French officer under Louis XIV, Captain of the Dragoons, war Commissioner and butler to the Duchess of Burgundy. Titon du Tillet wanted to erect a monument to the glory of the King on which men of letters and artists would have figured. The project only led to the writing of “La description du Parnasse Français”, rich in information on the literary and musical life of the time.
VOLTAIRE: (1694-1778) French Enlightenment Writer and Philosopher. Voltaire is a pseudonym, his name being François-Marie Arouet. Voltaire is known for his attacks on Catholic Church, and his advocacy of freedom of religion and expression, and separation of church and state. Rare A.L.S., `Voltaire´, one page, 4to, Chateau de Ferney, 30th March, 1761, to the comedians performing his works, in French. An unusual letter by Voltaire deeply thanking and congratulating the comedians, stating `Je prie Messieurs les comédiens du Roy qui me font l´honneur de représenter mes ouvrages de vouloir bien se préter aux arrangements des roles que qu´on leur présentera de ma part, en les remerciant de leur zele, des soins don't ils m´honorent et en les assurant de l´estime infinie que j´ay pour leurs talents et du regret que j´ay de n´en etre pas le témoin et de ne leur pas témoigner de bouche les sentiments avec lesquels j´ay l´honneur d´etre leur tres humble et tres obeisant serviteur. Voltaire´ (“I kindly ask the comedians of the King who do me the honour of representing my works to kindly lend themselves to the arrangements of the roles that will be presented to them on my behalf, thanking them for their zeal, the care with which they honour me and assuring them of the infinite esteem that I have for their talents and of the regret that I have of not being the witness and of not testifying to them face to face the feelings with which I have the honour to be their very humble and very obedient servant. Voltaire”) VG Voltaire addresses the present letter to the comedians troupe of the Comédie Française, thanking them for performing his works. Only few months earlier, during the summer 0f 1760, they had premiered his play L´Ecossaise. Lekain was the stage name of the most highly regarded actor by Voltaire, who had made his debut at the Comedie in 1750 in Voltaire's "Brutus".There are few poets who have brought to the execution of their works as much care as Voltaire. When the latter wrote a tragedy, he settled in advance the movements of each character, the diction of each tirade. The actors had only to follow the abundant advice that the author gave them. Being in Paris, he directed himself the rehearsals, and, not content with giving an indication to the artist, he joined the example.Voltaire wouldn´t stop to achieve perfection; when he played at Ferney, as Abbé Duvernet recounts, he used to the days when he was to appear in a playwright, walk in the morning in his gardens, sometimes in costume as Knight, sometimes in the Greek style, sometimes as a pontiff. He alternately showed to his astonished gardeners his characters. He was getting used to wear the costume of the character to be represented.Voltaire, referring to the actors, stated “They have all the gifts of nature, great intelligence, diligent work, an imperturbable memory, and above all this rare art of transforming oneself into the person that one represents”, and concludes “It is an art that requires so many qualities, and in which it is difficult to achieve perfection, and do not give it up to other arts. Sometimes it is even superior to them… It is therefore an injustice and even a mark of ignorance to consider the theatrical art as secondary or inferior art.
DUMAS ALEXANDRE Pere: (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A.L.S., `Alex Dumas´, a large bold black ink signature, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d. [1848], in French. A boldly written letter by Dumas, stating `Je suis passé pour vous aider a arreter la publication de l´Amazone. L´amazone a été donnée a Hetzel… Mr Hetzel l´a vendue sans avoir le droit de le vendre. Appelez votre huissier et faites signifier au Siecle, que n´ayant pas reçu l´Amazone de mes mains, et l´ayant reçue des mains d´un homme qui n´avait pas le droit d´en disposer, je m´oppose a la publication a moins qu´elle ne vienne en déduction de ce que j´ai a livrer au Siecle´(“I came by to help you stop the Amazon publication. The Amazon was given to Hetzel ... Mr Hetzel sold it without having the right to sell it. Call your bailiff and make it known to the Siecle, that not having received the Amazon from my hands, and having received it from the hands of a man who did not have the right to dispose of it, I am against the publication unless it comes as a deduction from what I have to deliver to the Century”) With blank integral leaf. Small paper hole and stain to the blank leaf, and very small repair to the second page only partially affecting the flourish. G L´amazone (1845) is a short novel by Dumas. Its original title was Herminie, L´Amazone. The novel was first published by the newspaper Le Siecle from February to October 1845.Le Siecle was a daily newspaper published in France from 1836 to 1932.
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