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Maître Christophe LUCIEN

19 - PROSPER MÉRIMÉE (1803-1870) The Siamese Ambassador Phra-Ya S…
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Estimate €400 - €600
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Description
PROSPER MÉRIMÉE (1803-1870) The Siamese Ambassador Phra-Ya Sisiphar presenting a letter to H.M. the French Emperor in the Gallery of Henri II at Fontainebleau Pen and brown ink. Signed lower left and titled at bottom. 19.5 x 25.5 cm. Prosper Mérimée was present at the Château de Fontainebleau when the Emperor Napoleon III received the embassy of the King of Siam. We know of a letter from Mérimée to Fontainebleau dated 24 June 1861, which describes the excitement of the court for this embassy: "Our great expectation at the moment is that of the Siamese ambassadors, who are coming on Thursday. It is said that they will appear on all fours, according to the custom of their country, crawling on their knees and elbows. Some add that they lick the floor, which is sprinkled with candy sugar for the purpose" (Lettres de Prosper Mérimée Madame de Montijo, text presented and annotated by Claude Schopp, Paris Mercure de France1995, t. II, p. 233). Our drawing is a precious first-hand account of this encounter.
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About the sale Paintings, Drawings, Works of Art and Fine Furnishings at La Chaudronnerie
Auction location
Auction time 06/20/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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