FR EN
a letter written in black ink on a piece of paper
Ader

361 - Alphonse de LAMARTINE. Autograph letter, Florence, 30 Septem…
See original version (French)

Estimate €500 - €700
Sale commission
Description
Alphonse de LAMARTINE. Autograph letter, Florence, 30 September 1826, to the Marquise de Montcalm; 4 pages, in-4. A beautiful and lengthy letter on happiness and his stay in Italy. He begins with a reflection on happiness: ‘If you were to delve into the depths of every conscience, you would find that, when it comes to happiness, the word “bearable” is pretty much all anyone would tell you. Apart from a few months of delirium in a long life—which love may bestow only to make one atone for it afterwards—and a few days of glory or satisfied ambition for those who are content with this adornment of happiness, all the rest is rather insipid. It is enough that it is not too bitter. I do not know why all my letters to you take on a philosophical tone. It is either because I apparently regard you as a great philosopher, or, on the contrary, because I sense through a secret instinct that you are in need of a higher Philosophy. Alas, I have little of it myself’… He has just spent ‘a month in the mountains of Lucca and at the monastery of Vallombreuse […] Forests of fir and chestnut trees as high as the Little Alps, eternally green meadows, ever-flowing torrents, delightful villas from which one can see the sea over the mountains fifteen leagues away, all this beneath a blue and crimson sky that remains unclouded for ten days a year, and amidst the gentlest and most cultured people (I am speaking of the common folk, of course)”… Finally, he refers to his diplomatic position: ‘I have become chargé d’affaires following the departure of my minister [the Marquis de Lamaisonfort]. This has been good for my fortune, good for my independence, good for my career, and even better in other respects. I am therefore delighted. Having fulfilled my duties, I now lead a philosophical and very solitary life. I write a few verses from time to time, I breathe fresh air, I am warm, I ride on horseback over our beautiful hills, I give thanks to God—that is enough!”…
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part II
Auction location
Auction time 10/14/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like