Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated [c. 8 February 1775] [D19330].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36698
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.58-9), ‘En 1775, au roi de Prusse (M. 9307)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated [c. 8 February 1775] [D19330].
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Digital Resource:
Link to Archive Catalogue:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire, je reçois dans ce moment le buste de ce vieillard en porcelaine.
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, je reçois dans ce moment le buste de ce vieillard en porcelaine.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Yes
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated [c. 8 February 1775].
Detailed Summary:
The author expresses deep gratitude for the porcelain bust received from the King, praising it as a more distinguished gift than those offered by other monarchs. He refers to a new edition recounting the life of a celebrated figure who shared in the King’s achievements, and suggests that Détalonde Morival, given his exceptional talent for drawing, would be well suited to depict the King’s military campaigns. He further requests an extension of Morival’s leave, stressing his dedication and the value of the King’s patronage. The letter concludes with a reflection on the King’s dual stature as both a military hero and a philosopher, and with an expression of enduring gratitude.
Keyword(s):
Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
2 ff.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
1
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Additions:
With this letter Voltaire no doubt sent the lines, reading ‘Epictète au bord du tombeauA reçu ce présent des mains de Marc-Aurèle’.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
[c. 8 February 1775]
Ownership:
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
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.125, p.323–324
OCV Manuscript Reference:
vol.125, ‘MS1’, p.324
Record created by:
Record created on: