CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) - Lot 297

CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) Novelist, art critic, historian of caricature, defender of realism and close to the great artists of his time, notably Courbet. He was also an influential figure in literary and artistic circles during the Second Empire. L.A.S. "Champfleury", September 29, 1867, 1 page in-8, handwritten address "20 rue de Bruxelles". Interesting letter addressed to a correspondent whom he respectfully calls "Mon cher Maître", probably a figure from the world of letters or the arts. Champfleury discusses the work of a commission of which the addressee is president, and whose members are eagerly awaiting his return: "We know what considerable interests you are calling for, and we eagerly await the decisions you are going to prepare..." He reports on a recent meeting: "The commission did not meet earlier with new members, despite your enforced absence, eager to be inspired by your name as chairman." The letter then takes on a more personal and political character. Champfleury stresses the moral importance of his correspondent's action: "You can still give a society such as ours the impetus it lacks." He praises his independence of mind and authority: "Your life as an independent writer, your strength from your own funds, your encouragement from history or the state..." and insists on the decisive role the recipient could play in guiding the commission's work. The letter ends with a warm expression of esteem: "Believe me, my dear Master, one of your most sympathetic at all times." Champfleury's autograph signature. Commentary This letter belongs to the most interesting group of Champfleury's correspondences: those in which he takes part in the intellectual, artistic and institutional debates of his time. It reveals his involvement in cultural commissions and his admiration for some of the great figures of the literary world. The identity of the addressee, designated as the president of a commission and referred to as a "master", merits further research; it could enable the document to be linked precisely to an artistic or literary institution of the late Second Empire. Status Good overall condition. Slight traces of use and usual folds.