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OUEST ENCHERES PUBLIQUES NANTES & RENNES

20 - Henriette CAMPAN (1752–1822). Tutor to the daughters of Loui…
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Estimate €120 - €220
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Description
Henriette CAMPAN (1752–1822). Tutor to the daughters of Louis XV, then Marie-Antoinette’s ‘chief lady-in-waiting’. In the aftermath of the Reign of Terror, she founded a private institution for young girls. In 1805, Napoleon I appointed her head of the Legion of Honour’s girls’ school in Ecouen. A long, three-page autograph letter, signed and dated 2 August 1810, sent from ‘Vichi-les-Bains’ to Nanci Macdonald [daughter of Marshal Macdonald] on the occasion of her marriage to the Duke of Massa: ‘(…) I knew that the Emperor was willing to provide you with a dowry as a reward for the outstanding services of your brave father (…) you will first be a countess, and then, in due course, a beautiful and virtuous duchess. How much you owe to that dear father of yours, my dear little one, and to Providence and the Emperor; you would show your gratitude for all these blessings by setting an example to the world of Christian virtues combined with the values and graces you owe to your upbringing (…) Women can serve their country only by setting an example of good morals ( …) Further on, she recommends two people who are ‘perfect in their knowledge of all the ways of the world’ before concluding with affectionate words and advice. A fine copy. Dimensions: 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Appraisal carried out by Pascal GUILLEBAUD. Lot from a voluntary sale.
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About the sale Manuscripts, Philately and Bibliophilia
Auction location
Auction time 06/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 06/18/2026 at 5:08 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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