ROSSI (Giovanni Battista de Rossi, known as Jean-Baptiste de - Lot 249

ROSSI (Giovanni Battista de Rossi, known as Jean-Baptiste de Rossi) Rome, 1822 - 1894. Italian archaeologist and epigraphist, founder of modern Christian archaeology. He took part in the edition of the works of the great numismatist Bartolomeo Borghesi, published under the patronage of Napoleon III. L.A.S. "Jean B. de Rossi" to a correspondent in Paris. Rome, September 27, 1860. 2 pp. in-8 on printed letterhead of the Commission de publication des OEuvres de Bartolomeo Borghesi. Interesting scholarly and editorial letter addressed from Rome shortly after his return from Paris. De Rossi discusses the many matters left pending after "an absence of two months", and announces that he has finally sent the Institute his speech "written in a form suitable for publication", which he had already mentioned before his departure from Paris. He also reviews the proofs and publishing work in progress on Borghesi's works. The letter bears witness to the constant exchanges between French and Italian scholars in the field of archaeology and epigraphy in the mid-nineteenth century. On the second, more personal page, he asks his correspondent to pass on his greetings to several Parisian scholars, notably M. Le Blant, and warmly thanks him for the welcome he received: "My wife joins me in renewing our thanks to Madame Le Blant (...) and to yourself for all the good graces you have showered upon us." Beautiful letter of work and scholarly sociability, written on elegant letterhead of the commission in charge of publishing Bartolomeo Borghesi's works. Very legible manuscript, signed "Jean B. de Rossi".