CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) - Lot 295

CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) Novelist, art critic and theorist of realism. Friend of Courbet, defender of realist painters and historian of French caricature. Curator of the Manufacture de Sèvres from 1875. L.A.S. "Champfleury", May 22, 1868, 1 page in-8, addressed to an artist or man of letters recently elected to the presidency of an artistic society. Charming congratulatory letter in which Champfleury thanks his correspondent for sending him a biographical note: "My thanks for the genuine notice which I found important." The letter quickly takes on a more personal character when he congratulates his recipient on his recent election: "I cannot yet congratulate on your appointment as President..." before elegantly adding: "...it is to you that we thank you for accepting these duties." Champfleury then underlines the moral prestige attached to this presidency: "Certainly you will give it a deep glow during your presidency, which should last a few years..." and concludes by praising the artistic qualities of the recipient: "...your moral pre-eminence joined to your high qualities of your art." This letter perfectly illustrates Champfleury's place in the artistic and literary circles of the Second Empire. It bears witness to the relations of courtesy and esteem that united the members of France's leading artistic societies. Fine autograph signature by Champfleury. Interesting testimony to French artistic networks in the second half of the 19th century. Condition: very good; usual folds; slight traces of age, not serious.