Letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 10 April 1772 [D17688]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36742
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.133-5), ‘Mme la marquise du Deffand, Ferney, 10 avril 1772. (M. 8518.)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 10 April 1772 [D17688]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Digital Resource:
Link to Archive Catalogue:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva, photocopy
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Il est très certain, Madame, ou que vous m’avez trompé, ou que vous vous êtes trompée.
Incipit Modernised:
Il est très certain, Madame, ou que vous m’avez trompé, ou que vous vous êtes trompée.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 10 April 1772.
Detailed Summary:
The writer expresses frustration at the recipient’s prolonged silence, doubting the truth of their earlier claim about going to the countryside. He asserts that his feelings have not changed, particularly his contempt for certain types of people, and expresses disappointment at the recipient’s continued lack of communication. In a reflective moment, he contrasts Epicurean materialism with more conventional worldviews, suggesting that engaging with specific philosophical and literary works could offer some solace or enjoyment. Despite the tension, he concludes by revealing that his thoughts and care for the recipient run deeper than the recipient might realise.
Keyword(s):
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
3 ff.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
1
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
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Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
10 April 1772
Ownership:
After Voltaire’s death, the MS passed into the ownership of Catherine II and remained in the imperial and then national collection thereafter.
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
This MS was probably taken to St Petersburg by Wagnière in the summer of 1779 along with the rest of Voltaire’s library.
Bibliography
Bibliography:
Fernand Caussy, Inventaire des manuscrits de la bibliothèque de Voltaire conservée à la bibliothèque impériale publique de Saint-Pétersbourg (Geneva, Slatkine reprints, 1970)
OCV Reference:
vol.122, p.332–333
OCV Manuscript Reference:
vol.122, ‘MS3’, p.333
Record created by:
Record created on: