- 9
Bizet, Georges, (1838-1875)
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- Bizet, Georges
- Autograph letter signed ("Georges Bizet"), to an unnamed friend, probably the artist Jules Didier [1868]
- ink on paper
a joyous account of their past adventures in the South of France eleven years ago, recalling the "marvellous route de la Corniche", describing an encounter with a camel near Ventimiglia, discussing his present life, his health and ennuis, his work on La coupe due roi de Thule and other matters ("...écris-moi souvent, cher. - tes lettres me parlent d'un homme que j'aime et que j'estime, et du pays que je regretterai toujours...")
3 pages, 8vo (20.8 x 13.5cm), no place or date [Paris, 1868], splitting along hinge
3 pages, 8vo (20.8 x 13.5cm), no place or date [Paris, 1868], splitting along hinge
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
UNPUBLISHED. A splendidly vivacious letter, recalling happy episodes on the journey to Rome - as a Prix de Rome prizewinner - in December 1857. Bizet travelled to Italy with four companions, the composer Charles-Joseph Colin (mentioned in the letter), the painters Charles-François Sellier and Jules Didier, and the architect Eugène Heim. The most likely candidate for recipient of Bizet’s letter is Didier, particularly because of the discussion of painting. While Bizet’s letters are not rare at auction, they mostly deal with business matters. Far less common are letters so full of life and energy. We are most grateful to Professor Hugh Macdonald for his kind assistance.