Important Swiss-French philosopher and writer (1712-1778) who held that the individual is essentially good but usually corrupted by society. Two handwritten partial manuscript fragments by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, totaling nine pages on six sheets, 7.5 x 10, no date but circa 1745–1750. Excerpts from biographical works penned in the hand of Rosseau, stemming from his time as the private secretary to the famous salonnière Louise Marie Madeleine Fontaine, called Madame Dupin (1706–1799). Includes: an excerpt of a manuscript on the life of Isabella de Valois, Queen of England, by Jean Froissart, as printed in Bernard de Montfaucon's 'Monuments de la monarchie française' (1729) and from Charles Baunier's 'Recueil historique, chronologique et topographique des abbayes de France' (1729) concerning the reception of a bishop by the abbess of Notre Dame aux Nonnains in Troyes; and an excerpt from 'The Life of Pope Sixtus the Fifth' by the protestant historian Grégorio Leti, recording examples of Sixtus' harsh punishments in cases related to the honor of women. In overall fine condition. Housed together in a brown linen folder.
When Jean-Jacques Rousseau was introduced to Madame Dupin in 1743 he was immediately drawn to the salonnière who was famed for her beauty, wit, and intelligence. Although the infatuated Rousseau had to be discouraged from making unrequested advances to her, Madame Dupin employed the young philosopher as her private secretary and tutor for her son Jacques-Armand in 1745. During his employment Rousseau was mainly occupied with research for Madame Dupin's magisterial work 'On the Equality of Men and Women' and the transcription of her dictation. The excerpts at hand were part of Madame Dupin's highly ambitious project.
The manuscript of this pioneering text on women's rights comprised almost 2,000 pages organized in 47 chapters but was never to be published. Despite an often difficult relationship with Madame Dupin, Rousseau remained on friendly terms with the family after his discharge in 1751 and received some financial support later on. In his posthumously published 'Confessions,' he prizes Madame Dupin's charm and beauty. Concerning the question of the role of women in society and women's rights, Rosseau held contrarian views to his employer as laid down in 'Émile, ou De l'éducation' and other important works.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
