Autograph letter from Voltaire to Suzanne Necker, dated 19 June 1770 [D16431].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36754
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.152-3), ’20 juin 1770, à Ferney, à Mme Necker (M. 7930)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Suzanne Necker, dated 19 June 1770 [D16431].
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:
Vous qui chez la belle Hippatie
Incipit Modernised:
Vous qui chez la belle Hypatie
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Yes
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Suzanne Necker, dated 19 June 1770.
Detailed Summary:
In this letter, the writer humorously reflects on the honour of having their statue created by Phidias Pigal, despite the amusement it may provoke among locals and the broader public. They acknowledge the vanity inherent in such spectacles but emphasise that their genuine gratitude towards their friends, especially the addressee, transcends this vanity. The writer contrasts the superficial entertainment value of such public displays with their sincere appreciation for the support and recognition they have received.
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:
On the verso of MS2 appear the incomplete holograph lines ‘Ce n’est pas moi que l’on contemple / Sous le beau ciseau de Pigal, / C’est vous, c’est cet illustre exemple / Qu’on donne à mon pays natal, /C’est’.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
19 June 1770
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:
OCV Manuscript Reference:
Record created by:
Record created on: