French Pioneer scientific explorer (1701–1774) of South America who conceived the smallpox vaccination later developed by Edward Jenner. ALS in French, signed 'La Condamine,' one page, 5.25 x 7.25, July 17, 1751. La Condamine writes an unidentified gentleman, likely the artist Maurice Quentin de La Tour. In part (translated): 'I’m sending you…one of your works that is as old as a 16 year old girl and which is just as fresh as she. The varnish you use on your pastells is a beautiful secret. But if you could find a secret for preserving the originals you would have a second right to immortality which would eclipse the first. You gave me cause to hope that you would have the portrait copied by one of your pupils…my sister wants nothing more than a portrait by your hand…I assure you that you have no greater admirer than your humble and obedient servant.' In fine condition, with faint creasing, spots of soiling, and an area of staining at the top of the page not affecting any text. In 1751, the same year as this letter, La Condamine published the famous journal of his voyage to the equator. RRAuction COA.
