Donizetti, Gaetano

a letter of introduction for Madame Mary de Cobianchi, who is visiting Venice with her mother, explaining that they are both English, although the daughter is married to an Italian, praying that he has time to direct them to the essential sights of Venice, and attaching her visiting card; he asks after Perotti and his family, pointing out that he did not receive any response to the Mass setting he sent him from Paris (“...Ed il mio Perotti che fà?. Non ebbi risposta se ricevette la messa speditagli da Parigi…”)   

1 page, 4to (24.8 x 20cm), integral blank, watermark of 3 fleurs-de-lys within a shield, crowned and wreathed, visiting card of Mme Mary de Cobianchi inscribed (“Hotel de la Lune”) and affixed to blank, no place, Milan, 14 September [probably 1841]

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."

It is not clear which Mass Donizetti refers to here, but it could be the Messa di Gloria e Credo (c.1837). Mary de Cobianchi was the wife of Gaetano, a Risorgimento agent in Paris, working for Carlo Alberto of Savoy.