CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) - Lot 298

CHAMPFLEURY (Jules Husson, dit) (1821-1889) Novelist, art critic, historian of caricature, defender of realism, close to Courbet and Republican circles. His influence on the arts and letters of the Second Empire and early Third Republic was considerable. L.A.S. "Champfleury", March 15, 1872, 1 page in-8. Brief but interesting autograph letter addressed to an unnamed minister. Champfleury thanks his correspondent for his recent appointment, which he attributes to his benevolence: "This appointment fulfills all my wishes and I will never forget that it is due to your sympathy for letters." He then states his intention to justify this confidence: "From more than one material point, I hope to prove that you were not mistaken in calling me to this position, and I will make every effort to make myself worthy of it." The letter ends with a particularly warm formula of gratitude: "Please accept, my dear Minister, my respectful acknowledgments." Fine Champfleury autograph signature. Comment This letter comes at an important period in Champfleury's career. After the fall of the Second Empire and the upheavals of 1870-1871, he took on various administrative functions related to the arts and letters. The document bears direct witness to his relations with government circles and the official recognition he received. Although brief, the letter is of definite biographical interest, since it explicitly refers to an administrative or cultural appointment. Identifying the recipient minister would probably help to clarify the context of this promotion. Status Good condition. Paper slightly yellowed, usual folds.