French military officer (1859–1935) whose central role in the Dreyfus Affair, the most sensational cause célèbre in the final years of the 19th century which tore French society apart and shook their faith in the military, thrust him into the international spotlight. Discovering the murky circumstances—the recklessness of the French government in pursuing a speedy conviction, the sloppy procedure of the court-martial—author Emile Zola wrote his famous open letter, “J’Accuse!,” laying bare the entire disgraceful affair. Zola was convicted of libel and fled to England, though he returned to France in time to witness the fall of the government and Dreyfus’s release following an overturned second conviction. Two items: first-rate 3.5 x 5.5 head-and-shoulders postcard portrait signed “A. Dreyfus” in the lower white border; and a brief untranslated ALS in French on one of Dreyfus’s personal 3.75 x 2.25 calling cards, initialed “A. D.” at its conclusion. In overall fine to very fine condition. An exceptionally clean pairing of items. Provenance: The Barry Hoffman Collection. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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