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Lot #579
Ivan Turgenev Autograph Letter Signed

Rare French letter from the Russian realist, referring to Pauline Viardot

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Estimate: $2500+
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Description

Rare French letter from the Russian realist, referring to Pauline Viardot

Highly influential Russian author (1818-1883) whose 1862 novel Fathers and Sons remains one of the pillars of nineteenth-century literature. ALS in French, signed "I. Turgueneff," one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.25, October 6, 1872. Handwritten with reference to the mezzo-soprano Pauline Viardot. Turgenev fell madly in love with Viardot after hearing her perform in The Barber of Seville in Russia in 1843, and he lived with the Viardot family on the Rue de Douai in Paris from 1871 until his death. In full (translated): "I am annoyed to hear you still suffer from your cold-but at least, you don't have pertussis, which is something. No telegram from Ullmann-but there has been a letter from Mme Benedetti that Bardot sent to you; let's hope it brings good news. I think you did well not to go to Ixelles. Mme Viardot came back from Nohant and she returns to work tomorrow. My gout still doesn't want to leave me be; however, I am doing better and I hope I will soon be well like everyone else. You will resume your chess games with me when you'll come back to Paris. You will have to settle in Paris eventually. Best regards to your father and a cordial shake-hands [this phrase written in English] to you." He adds a short postscript: "The letter to M. Ambroselli was sent the moment you departed." In fine condition, with light creasing to the bottom edge.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #631 - Ended March 09, 2022





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