Autograph letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 30 March 1768 [D14897].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36735
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.120-1), ‘A Mme du Deffand, 30 mars 1768 (M. 7218)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 30 March 1768 [D14897].
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:
Quand j’ai un objet, madame, quand on me donne un Thème, comme par éxemple de savoir si l’âme des puces est immortelle, si le mouvement est essentiel à la matière, si les opéra comiques sont préférables à Cinna et à Phèdre, ou pourquoi made Denis est à Pa
Incipit Modernised:
Quand j’ai un objet, madame, quand on me donne un Thème, comme par exemple de savoir si l’âme des puces est immortelle, si le mouvement est essentiel à la matière, si les opéra comiques sont préférables à Cinna et à Phèdre, ou pourquoi made Denis est à Pa
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Yes
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 30 March 1768.
Detailed Summary:
The writer discusses his varied experiences, including hosting numerous guests and undertaking ambitious projects, which have ultimately led to a sense of disillusionment and a return to a simpler, more reflective way of life. Despite earlier grandeur and considerable expenditure, he now finds solace in philosophical contemplation and values his enduring friendship with the recipient.
He notes the difficulties brought by age, illness, and a harsh environment, contrasting his own situation with the recipient’s need for the vibrancy of Paris. He concludes by expressing deep gratitude and affection for the recipient, set against a backdrop of personal and financial strain.
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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:
Materiality Keywords:
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History
Date:
30 March 1768
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.117, p.235–236
OCV Manuscript Reference:
vol.117, ‘MS2’, p.236
Record created by:
Record created on: