ORFILA (Mathieu) — Anne Gabrielle LESUEUR, his wife - Lot 232

ORFILA (Mathieu) — Anne Gabrielle LESUEUR, his wife Paris, 1793–1864. Musician, daughter of the sculptor Jacques-Philippe Lesueur. Autograph letter signed “Gᵐᵉ Orfila,” addressed to a gentleman. No place, no date. 1 page, in-8. An interesting letter of recommendation in which Madame Orfila speaks with great courtesy on behalf of Mademoiselle Jeanne Blanchet, a candidate in the Conservatory’s singing competition. Addressing what is likely one of the judges, she subtly expresses her hope that the young artist will be supported: “You must be her judge (…) please be kind enough to give her your support; her sole ambition is to win your vote.” The note, imbued with elegance and gratitude, highlights the bonds of artistic camaraderie within the cultured circles of the early nineteenth century, where recommendations and networks played a decisive role in musical careers. Madame Orfila gratefully acknowledges her correspondent’s constant kindness, which, in her own words, justifies her intervention on behalf of the candidate.