PICARD (Alfred). - Lot 240

PICARD (Alfred). Born in Strasbourg on December 21, 1844—died in Paris on March 8, 1913. French engineer and administrator. Vice President of the Council of State (1912–1913), Commissioner General of the 1900 World’s Fair, member of the Academy of Sciences, Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. Autograph letter signed “A. Picard,” addressed to Mr. Georges Coulon. Paris, February 5, 1902. 1 page, quarto size, with its addressed and stamped envelope (15-cent stamp, postmark). An official and cordial letter in which Alfred Picard warmly recommends his correspondent’s son, a candidate for an assistant position. He highlights the young man’s qualities, noting that he has observed “excellent aptitude” in him, and supports his application to the recipient, emphasizing his interest in this candidacy. This letter of recommendation perfectly illustrates the role of intermediary and influencer played by the leading administrators of the Third Republic, in this case within the context of a public or administrative career. The inclusion of the preserved envelope further enhances the significance of the collection.