Fine quality anonymous drawing depicting the elderly French philosopher. Pencil on paper with ink inscription upper left, "Voltaire in old age." Laid down on backing sheet. Several creases, small stains and nicks to edges, else fine. 7 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches. 

Inscribed in English, the present work was either not done from life, or was probably executed in Paris after Voltaire returned from exile in Switzerland in February 1778. A clamorous welcome awaited the eighty-four-year-old genius, admired by his contemporaries as a playwright, historian, poet, novelist, political and social commentator, and eloquent champion of human rights against oppression and intolerance. The face, seen from the side, radiates mental and spiritual vitality, with perhaps a trace of both humor and sorrow showing in the lined eyes, lifted brow, and compressed smile.