Letter from Voltaire to Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, dated 22 June 1770.
Detailed Summary:
The writer thanks his correspondent – a fellow philosopher and supporter – for his powerful gesture against fanaticism, praising a statue commissioned as a tribute to reason and resistance to tyranny. He speaks highly of the sculptor Pigalle and the Duc de Choiseul, who, despite past associations, now supports Enlightenment ideals and has helped Genevan refugees by promoting their watchmaking trade. Voltaire praises Pigalle’s talent and simplicity, and admires the design of the Marshal de Saxe’s mausoleum. He also applauds the decision to replace the traditional image of enslaved figures at monarchs’ feet with depictions of free, happy citizens — an artistic shift toward honouring human dignity. He closes with affection and deep respect for his friend.
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)