Beaumarchais, Pierre-Augustin Caron de. (1732-1799)
Autograph Letter
An interesting signed document from the important French dramatist and author, watchmaker, inventor, musician, diplomat, fugitive, spy, publisher, arms dealer, and revolutionary best known for his theatrical works, especially the three Figaro plays. One page, 4.25 x 6.5 inches, July 21, 1785. Together with a period portrait print.In French, Beaumarchais responds to a book dealer in Paris. In full (translated): “M. Ruot is requesting to send from abroad to Mme. Garnant the copy [of a book] that she is requesting and that her number has won. This lady is asking me to procure it for her. I cannot refuse, at least, to make an effort [to do my best] to facilitate the sending [of it].” In very good condition, with usual mailing folds, toning, soiling, and show-through from residue of the wax seal on the reverse side. Nicolas Ruault was a bookseller and publisher who was helping Beaumarchais in the publication of his edition of Voltaire's works.
The present letter was penned approximately one year after the first performance of the play ''La Folle Journée, ou Le Mariage de Figaro" (at the Odéon on 27 April,1784), the second in the Figaro Trilogy, preceded by The Barber of Seville. Mozart's famous treatment of the work was premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna on 1 May, 1786. (5696)
Autograph Document Opera