LANGLÈS (Louis Mathieu). - Lot 165

LANGLÈS (Louis Mathieu). Born in Welles-Pérennes in 1763—died in 1824. Orientalist and librarian. Founder and first director of the École spéciale des langues orientales. Member of the Institut (1795). Autograph letter signed “LM Langlès,” addressed to “Monsieur Auguis” [of the Société Royale]. No place [Paris], April 5, 1823. 1 page, in-8 format, with address. A charming letter of scholarly correspondence, in which Langlès informs his correspondent that he has prepared a requested note and invites him to come and pick it up in person: “…please take the trouble to come and fetch it yourself…”. He accompanies this invitation with a gesture of hospitality very characteristic of early 19th-century scholarly circles, inviting the recipient to share a Sunday lunch: “…you would make this kindness all the more complete by coming tomorrow, Sunday […] at eleven o’clock to have lunch with us…”. The letter, brief yet lively, reflects the conviviality and customs of Parisian intellectual circles, blending scholarly exchanges with private socializing. The mention of his wife, who “joins her compliments to mine,” reinforces this familiar and cordial tone. An interesting glimpse into the social life of one of France’s leading Orientalists toward the end of his career.