Lot 117
Voltaire. (Nom de plume of French Enlightenment Author and Satirist François-Marie Arouet) Autograph Document Signed (1694-1778) French writer, historian, and satirist; known for advocating freedom of speech and religion and separation of church and state. Among his best-known works are Lettres philosophiques (1734) and Candide (1759). Autograph document signed "Voltaire," in French, 1p, Les Délices [Geneva, Switzerland], May 11, 1764. Regarding a debt due him: I have received from Mr. de la Marche the sum of eight hundred sixty four pounds for the arrears of the one thousand pound annuity of the year that fell due on March first 1764 which principal of twenty thousand pounds lent to him under contract was received at Armat notary in Paris on March 1, 1763. Deduction made from the said 1000 pounds of 136 for the vingtièmes…" Docket on verso. Boldly penned and signed. Excellent condition. Accompanied by a complete English translation.
Voltaire lived at Les Délices, in Geneva, from 1755-1760 and the Institut et Musée Voltaire is located there. His liberal ideas often necessitated a prompt departure from France and, consequently, he spent a considerable amount of time across the border in Switzerland, as well as in England (1726-28); he also spent time at the court of Frederick the Great, who much admired him, and was a frequent correspondent with Catherine the Great of Russia. Estimated Value $1,500 - UP
University Archives, John Reznikoff August, 1997.
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