Description:

Félix Nadar
Paris/Allevard, France, ca. June 5, 1905
Nadar 2x Signed ALS Re: Victor Hugo Autograph, "one of my dear relics"
ALS

A 1p autograph letter in French twice signed by Gaspard-Félix Tournachon (1820-1910), better known by his professional name "Nadar." The first time signed as "Nadar" at the conclusion of the letter; and the second time signed as "Nadar" in the postscript. Ca. June 5, 1905. The letter was written in Paris, France, though the postscript was evidently written from Nadar's destination, Allevard, a commune in the Department of Isère, in southeastern France, where Nadar and his wife Ernestine spent the summer of 1905. Inscribed on watermarked laid custom bifold stationery paper embossed with Nadar's monogram and motto "Quand même" [trans: "All the same"] at the top of the first page. Expected wear including light paper folds, and a few scattered pencil erasures of a former collector's notes, else near fine. 3.875" x 5.125." Accompanied by a full English translation. Ex-R.M. Smythe & Co., Inc., ca. November 2004.

Nadar wrote an unknown female correspondent this pre-departure letter, translated in part:

"Paris 5 June 05

With trunks packed ready for departure, with sorrow in not being able to bid you a final adieu, - but with the hope of seeing you again in October, if…

With much respect and affection to you, to your worthy and dear husband, and to all your dear ones,

Nadar

Urgent request to have returned to me the (V.H.) [Victor Hugo] autograph you have - one of my dear relics.

Nadar
Allevard
(Isere)

I had already requested the return of the above while setting down my…"

Nadar was one of the most important photographers of nineteenth-century Europe. After he opened his photographic studio in Paris in the 1850s, he photographed the most prestigious artists, actors, musicians, authors, politicians, and personalities of the day, including Victor Hugo, Eugène Delacroix, Sarah Bernhardt, Claude Debussy, Émile Zola, and many others.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 3.875" x 5.125"
  • Medium: ALS

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