ARTAUD (Antoine François Marie) - Lot 248

ARTAUD (Antoine François Marie) Avignon, 1767 - Paris, 1838. French archaeologist, art historian and administrator. Inspector of the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, then director of the École des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, he was also one of the first curators and scholars to study antiquities and industrial arts under the Restoration and the July Monarchy. L.A.S. "Artaud" to Monsieur Girod (de l'Ain), President of the Conseil d'État. Paris, March 24, 1834. 1 p. in-4 on University of France letterhead. Interesting letter of recommendation concerning an industrial application submitted to the Conseil d'État. Artaud intervenes on behalf of Messrs. Bonnier and Comère, who wish to obtain authorization to study an oilcloth factory near Lille. He points out that the case, already examined by the Comité de l'Intérieur, will shortly be brought before the Conseil d'Etat in a general assembly: "This case, which has already passed the Interior Committee, is to be submitted next Wednesday to the Council of State in general assembly." Addressing Girod de l'Ain directly, he invokes the latter's enlightened interest in the industry to support their request: "Your enlightened interest in industry encourages me to recommend the request of Messrs. Bonnier and Comère to your benevolent justice." He concludes by emphasizing that "a prompt decision is important to the success of their enterprise". A fine letter testifying to the links between administration, industrial innovation and scholarly networks under the July Monarchy. Very legible manuscript, written on elegant Université de France letterhead and signed "Artaud".