Lot 226

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Description:

Louis XVIII AL in French Addressed to "Your Majesty," Possibly Older Brother Louis XVI?

A 1p autograph letter in French inscribed in the hand of Louis Stanislas Xavier, the future Louis XVIII (1755-1824). The 100+ words in his hand are addressed to a royal person he alternately calls "Sire" and "Your Majesty," suggesting that his correspondent might have been his older brother, Louis XVI. On bifold watermarked paper. Expected folds and light overall toning, with a few scattered stains. Pencil inscriptions made by a former collector are entirely reversible. The left edge has been reinforced verso. 5.25" x 7.375." Accompanied by a typewritten transcript in French and a former collector's label.

The identity of the future Louis XVIII's correspondent is unknown, but it is likely that he was addressing his older brother Louis XVI (1754-1793), who reigned as King of France between 1774 and his execution in 1793. If Louis Stanislas, then styled the Comte de Provence, did address this letter to his brother the king, it would have dated from sometime during this 18-year-long period.

By all accounts, the royal brothers Louis XVI and Louis Stanislas had a strained relationship, which makes the extremely flattering tone in this letter a subject of interest. Was Louis Stanislas trying to flatter his brother into showing him favor? Attempting to right old wrongs to protect himself and his interests? There was a long history of contention between the two brothers and even their wives, Marie Antoinette and Marie Josephine of Savoy.

The future Louis XVIII employs the "royal we" when describing actions or events affecting himself, and refers to his correspondent only indirectly through honorific titles. Translator's note: Throughout the letter, Louis Stanislas uses "elle" or the feminine pronoun referring to the gender of the French phrase "Your Majesty," but for the sake of clarity, it has been translated as "you" instead of "she" or "Your Majesty."

Translated in full:

"Sire

We received today the most honorable reward that Y.M. [Your Majesty] could give us for the works to which you commanded us to deliver last year, you call us a second time to you, you want very much again to consult us. The first of our sentiments must be gratitude and I dare, in the name of the gentlemen assembled here by the order of Y.M., to lay homage at your feet. Our duty at this moment is to justify the very flattering confidence [which you have invested in us] and our sole ambition is to show ourselves worthy of it. Zeal, respect, love, these are the motives which will animate us, may it be agreeable to Y.M. and may our efforts earn for us new testimonies of his approbation!"

Louis Stanislas adopted a hard line during the French Revolution, but he was able to escape the guillotine. During his 20+ year period of self-exile, the future Louis XVIII lived in the Austrian Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and England. He returned to rule France for just 11 months before Napoleon's 100 Days temporarily removed him from the throne. The figurehead of the Bourbon Restoration, Louis XVIII then ruled between 1815-1824.

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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