LOT #35197 |
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Voltaire Autograph Letter Signed...
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Sold on Mar 6, 2009 for:
$5,975.00
Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder
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Description
Voltaire Autograph Letter Signed "Voltaire". Written in Italian on two and one-half pages, 7" x 8.5", Potsdam, July 8, 1752, to Father Jacquier, a priest living in Rome, who possibly had some role at the Vatican. Voltaire, the pen name for Francois-Marie Arouet, writes in part: "My wish to see you again was the most powerful incentive to cause me to wend my way to Rome, but up till now my poor health and the joyous leisure that I have here in the palace of a Philosopher-King have kept me at Potsdam. . . I pray you, please present my most reverent respects to the Cardinal-Secretary. If the most esteemed Cardinal Alberoni to whom I wish many more years of life, wishes me to write the history of his activities in Spain he should send his personal papers to me in Potsdam by public carrier; I am full of ambition to erect a monument dedicated to his glory with those materials."Voltaire (1694-1778), a French Enlightenment philosopher and prolific writer, produced plays, novels, essays, and scientific and historical works. He influenced the leaders behind the American and French revolutions. At Potsdam, Voltaire stayed at the summer palace of Frederick the Great, the "Philosopher-King", from 1750 until 1753, one year after this letter was written, when their friendship came to a nasty end. Giulio Alberoni, the subject of the letter, was an Italian cardinal who served the Spanish King Philip V from 1711 through 1719. The letter, which has been spread open displaying pages two and three, with an engraving of Voltaire are matted to an overall size of 26.75" x 14.5". On the back of the mat, page one is viewable through a cut-out. Included with lot is a typed English transcription. The letter is age-toned, in fine condition, and ready to be prominently displayed.
Auction Info
2009 March Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction #6019 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 8
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,681
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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