Letter from Voltaire to Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, written from château de Ferney and dated 22 June 1770 [D16436]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36727
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.101-2), ‘A M. d’Alembert, 22 juin 1770, à Ferney (M.7931)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, written from château de Ferney and dated 22 June 1770 [D16436]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
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Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
C’est un beau souflet, mon cher et vrai philosophe, que vous donnez au fanatisme et aux lâches valets de ce monstre.
Incipit Modernised:
C’est un beau souflet, mon cher et vrai philosophe, que vous donnez au fanatisme et aux lâches valets de ce monstre.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, dated 22 June 1770.
Detailed Summary:
In this letter, the writer praises the philosophical critique of fanaticism and tyranny expressed by the recipient, noting their significant role in challenging superstition through art. They acknowledge the support of notable figures such as the Duc de Choiseul, who has aided in protecting and promoting emigrant families from Geneva. The writer also mentions the contribution of other prominent individuals like Federic and Mr. Pigale, and expresses approval of the innovative design for a mausoleum that rejects the outdated practice of depicting slavery in sculptures. The letter concludes with a heartfelt tribute to the recipient’s enduring influence and friendship.
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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:
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History
Date:
22 June 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:
120, p. 272–273
OCV Manuscript Reference:
120, ‘MS1’, p. 273
Record created by:
Record created on: