Letter from Voltaire to Christian VII of Denmark, dated [c. 5 November 1770] [D13542]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36711
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.77), ‘Au roi de Danemark (M. 8104)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Christian VII of Denmark, dated [c. 5 November 1770] [D13542]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Digital Resource:
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OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Sire, Mr Dalembert m’a instruit des bontez de votre majesté pour moy.
Incipit Modernised:
Seigneur, Mr d’Alembert m’a instruit des bontés de votre majesté pour moi.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Christian VII of Denmark, written from château de Ferney and dated [c. 5 November 1770].
Detailed Summary:
The MS is a copy of the original document: a transcription by Jean-Louis Wagnière, Voltaire’s secretary. The writer expresses deep gratitude and surprise at the generosity of the monarch, as conveyed by Mr d’Alembert, particularly regarding the honour of a statue—an accolade he believes more fitting for a king than for a private citizen. He acknowledges the monarch’s exceptional efforts to spread enlightenment, demonstrate modesty, and bring happiness to his subjects. As he approaches the end of his life, he finds unexpected joy and honour in receiving recognition from such a distinguished ruler.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
1
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
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History
Date:
[c. 5 November 1770]
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.121, p.68–69
OCV Manuscript Reference:
vol.121, ‘MS2’, p.69
Record created by:
Record created on: