Lot 161
Voltaire -- 1776 Manuscript Document Signed From Ferney (1694-1778) French writer, essayist, and philosopher (real name François-Marie Arouet), known for his wit, satire, and defense of civil liberties. He sought to defend freedom of religious and political thought and played a major role in the Enlightenment period of the eighteenth century. Manuscript document signed "Voltaire," in French, 4 x 6¼", Ferney, Feb. 28, 1776. Translated: "I received from the Marquis of St. Tropez, through Mr. Audibert, four hundred eighty-one pounds and twelve cents for a year of my annuity, come to term on May 1, 1776. Done at Ferney February 28, 1776. Voltaire." Writen on laid, watermarked paper. Fine condition.
In 1759, Voltaire purchased an estate called "Ferney" near the French-Swiss border. Its location proved helpful on numerous occasions when Voltaire provoked the wrath of the king with his writing and found it expedient to slip across the border into Switzerland until the king cooled down or friends of Voltaire's interceded on his behalf. Ferney became the intellectual capital of Europe, with visitors flocking to his door. His wide circle of correspondents included Catherine II of Russia and Frederick II of Prussia. Estimate Value $2,500 - UP
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