CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) - Lot 296

CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) Novelist, art critic, historian of caricature and major figure of French literary realism. Friend of Courbet, close to 19th-century republican and artistic circles. L.A.S. "Champfleury", August 22, 1867, 1 page in-8, handwritten address "20 rue de Bruxelles". Interesting letter addressed to a close collaborator or artist, in which Champfleury talks about his state of health and the difficulties encountered in a selection committee. First, he explains his absence: "You have suffered greatly from your accident... I have endured with little resignation a sort of rheumatism in my knee which has been holding me back for a year." This indisposition prevented him from attending an important meeting: "That explains why I didn't go to the Committee on Monday." The letter then takes on a documentary character when he mentions several personalities then involved in the Committee's debates: "Thomas, Claretie, Challemel and Hamel..." and mentions the tensions aroused by a project to divide up or distribute prizes: "...around the proposed division or sharing of prizes...". Finally, Champfleury announces that he has written to Goupil to ask for certain corrections or clarifications, and promises to inform his correspondent at a future meeting. The letter ends with an affectionate note: "Croyez-moi, mon cher maître, votre tout dévoué en toute temps." Fine Champfleury autograph signature. Commentary This letter is more interesting than a simple courtesy bill, as it sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work of a jury or artistic committee in the 1860s. The names mentioned - notably Jules Claretie and probably Challemel-Lacour - place the document in the intellectual and artistic networks of the late Second Empire. The addressee, described as "mon cher maître" ("my dear master"), could be an artist or an influential figure in the world of the arts; his identification would probably significantly enhance the historical interest of the piece. Condition Good condition. Usual folds. Ink well preserved.