GÉRICAULT Théodore (1791-1824). - Lot 102

Lot 102
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3000 - 4000 EUR
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Result : 3 640EUR
GÉRICAULT Théodore (1791-1824). - Lot 102
GÉRICAULT Théodore (1791-1824). L.A., [early 1823], to Madame Horace VERNET; 3 pages small in-4, address. Nice sentimental flirtation letter with Louise Vernet, during her illness. "Let's see what you want, is it passion of the spirit or sentiment, melancholy I have of all this at your service"... His silence was "only discretion and the finest yet, for I was dying to thank you for your good jams, your books, and above all your gracious visit, which can compare to nothing for me. You don't know how much we value certain things in my little corner, and although it seems to be destined only for acute pain, I also dream of happiness and voluptuousness there. [...] You are certainly kind to have come to see me, but to have left me there afterwards, doesn't it feel a bit like a hangman's noose, after all you are not paid to please me I would gladly pay you! Listen to me to the end and don't be upset, I am ill and you know that people of this kind are passed on many things. Fantasies belong to children, to the sick, some say to women. I wouldn't dare to say it, but I would like to see one go through your head, just one [...I do not want to make people laugh at me, but I find madame so imposing that I have tried to say it a little more affectionately, as an old acquaintance seems to authorize me to do, and I dare to believe that it is also a bit of old friendship". He asks for news of Mme Vernet's "beautiful and pretty neighbour" [probably the Baroness LALLEMAND, wife of the General]: "I have been made to hope that she would like to receive me, I only dream of it. So I hurry to deal with my executioners; do you think that is due to my illness? I see her as charming, gentle and benevolent, almost caressing, and offering only slight resistance to my wishes. I don't know her at all, but don't tell her a word of it, she'll accuse me of presumption if it's only a dream, and don't tell her that I've been played with a few times, because that would give her the fantasy too.
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