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an old handwritten letter with black ink on a piece of paper
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376 - Joseph de MAISTRE (1753–1821). 2 letters, St Petersburg 1804…
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Estimate €500 - €600
Sale commission
Description
Joseph de MAISTRE (1753–1821). 2 letters, St Petersburg 1804 and 1806, to a knight; 1½ pages and 2¼ pages, in-4. On Napoleon’s threats. 9 (21) August 1804. He thanks the knight for having the Spanish wax and the map of Europe sent to him via the Piedmontese officers, three of whom are ‘already paying the price’ and are ill. He laments ‘the rapid pace of events and the usurper’s flight; there may well be scissors in the world to clip his wings, but where are the hands to grasp the instrument? He watches and acts whilst everyone else sleeps. It is not for lack of people who have sounded the alarm’. He is concerned that he has received no reply regarding the book he sent him and asks that it be returned to him. 5 (17) July 1806. He passes on some letters for him to send. ‘Preparations for war are proceeding here with unparalleled fervour; where will all this lead us? We are paid […] not to build castles in the air; grief is suffocating me, I assure you. I go out as little as possible and scribble or turn the pages of my notebook to pass the time.” Correspondence with Cagliari seems to have ceased… Former collection of Maurizio Seyssel of Aix.
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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
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