RÉVEILLON (Jean-Baptiste, 1725–1811) - Lot 264

Lot 264
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RÉVEILLON (Jean-Baptiste, 1725–1811) - Lot 264
RÉVEILLON (Jean-Baptiste, 1725–1811) Signed autograph letter to the presidents, citizens, and residents of the Popincourt district. London, October 12, 1789. Important signed autograph letter, 2 folio pages, addressed to the presidents, citizens, and residents of the Popincourt district in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, a few months after the storming of the Bastille. Réveillon thanks the residents of the faubourg for their expressions of support and their willingness to facilitate his return to Paris following the violence he had suffered. He speaks emotionally of the events that forced him into exile: “the misfortunes that forced me into exile.” He expresses his deep gratitude to the residents who wish to ensure his personal safety and the protection of his property, affirming that he will henceforth devote the rest of his life to the development of his factories and the well-being of the workers in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine: “my useful work, which for more than twenty years has been, and will continue to be, I hope, a source of support for the workers in my factory.” The letter concludes with a significant autograph signature: “Réveillon” Dated London, October 12, 1789. Two folio pages. In very fine condition, with original creases. Historical Context This letter is directly linked to the famous Réveillon affair, one of the most significant episodes of the early French Revolution. On April 27 and 28, 1789, Jean-Baptiste Réveillon’s wallpaper factory, located in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, was looted and set on fire following rumors that its owner intended to lower workers’ wages. These riots, which claimed several hundred lives, are now considered a prelude to the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Forced to flee Paris and seek refuge in England, Réveillon maintained a correspondence from London with the authorities and residents of the Faubourg in order to secure guarantees for his return and the protection of his property. This letter is an exceptional account of that pivotal period. Provenance Addressed to the presidents and residents of the Popincourt district, one of the main revolutionary districts of Paris, which was directly affected by the events in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.
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