AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT. - Lot 219

Lot 219
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80 - 100 EUR
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AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT. - Lot 219
AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT. An important letter of a literary and sentimental nature. [18th century]. Unsigned autograph letter, 8 pages in-4 (2 bifolia), in elegant handwriting in brown ink. A long letter of remarkable literary interest, written in a lively and often ironic style, in which the author interweaves personal reflections, moral considerations, and the narrative of a romantic entanglement. After a humorous opening, the author apologizes for the length of the letter, mentioning his difficulty in organizing his thoughts: “I have absolutely no idea how I might capture it in my thoughts; but whether I succeed or not, I will not start my letter over; for me, writing four lines is a Herculean task.” The story then turns to the adventures of a young lady, celebrated for her beauty and talents, who eventually falls in love with a French cavalier, despite the many suitors surrounding her. The author skillfully develops the characters of the various protagonists, their feelings, their ambitions, and the reactions of those around them. The second part of the letter takes a more intimate turn. Reflecting on the bonds that unite her with her correspondent, the author warmly expresses her affection and gratitude, while also touching on the difficulties of life, the demands of friendship, and the duties of loyalty. The text concludes with recommendations addressed to the recipient’s family and an expression of particularly affectionate sentiments. Through the quality of its style, the richness of its vocabulary, the numerous allusions to aristocratic society, and the subtlety of its psychological observations, this letter stands out as a particularly representative example of private correspondence from the second half of the 18th century. The author displays genuine literary flair, alternating witticisms, moral analyses, and romantic anecdotes with great elegance. A beautiful and significant autograph letter, which remains unsigned, offering a vivid portrait of social customs, romantic relationships, and epistolary exchanges during the Age of Enlightenment.
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