DORÉ (Gustave, 1832-1882, French Illustrator, Etcher and Painter)

Autograph Letter Signed with initials, in French with translation, to ‘My dear Leleux’
’, saying that he “did not sleep after reading your letter, on the contrary. And to reward you for the pleasure your words have given to me, I send you a copy of an epitaph found in a cemetery in the Vosges department, the beginning of which have just brightened up Lundi society: I respect the document, ‘here lies truly missing lady C.P. wife of Mr S.P.’ This lady born for the trade, at the age of 19 before her marriage alone holding the part of the draperies. Shortly after, she brought together other branches which stopped with her, her work occupying her night and day, her desires to acquire the esteem and confidence of everyone by her behaviour. His life was courageous in his travels, firm in his projects, bold in his expeditions, but too sensitive to aggravating circumstances. Her life was cut short and she ended her career on June 6, 1822 without having made any mistake in her life. That’s all! With much respect and friendship around you...”, 2 sides 8vo.,

The addressee is most likely the painter Hubert Armand Leleux (1818-1885) or his brother who was also a painter and illustrator, Adolphe Pierre Leleux (1812-1891). Gustave Doré was a good painter, but not a good writer. There are many spelling mistakes, and the punctuation is poor. It is therefore somewhat difficult to understand.
Transcripton
Mon cher Leleux
Je n’ai pas dormi à la lecture de votre lettre, au contraire. Et pour vous récompenser du plaisir que vient de me faire votre prose, je vous envoie la copie d’une épitaphe prise dans un cimetière du département des Vosges dont les prémices viennent d’égayer la société du Lundi : je respecte le document.
"ci git justement regrettée dame C.P. épouse de M.S.P." Cette dame née pour le commerce à l’âge de 19 ans, avant son mariage tenant seule la partie des draperies.
Peu de temps après elle y réunit d’autres branches qui n’ont cessé qu’avec elle, son état l’occupant nuit et jour, ses désirs à acquérir par sa conduite l’estime et la confiance de tout le monde.
Sa vie a été courageuse dans ses voyages, inébranlable dans ses entreprises, hardie dans ses expéditions, mais trop sensible aux circonstances aggravantes. Abrégé ont été ses jours et elle a fini sa carrière le 6 juin 1822 sans avoir fait un faux pas dans sa vie.
Voilà ! Avec mille respects et amitiés autour de vous.
G.D.
Translation
My dear Leleux
I did not sleep after reading your letter, on the contrary. And to reward you for the pleasure your words have given to me, I send you a copy of an epitaph found in a cemetery in the Vosges department, the beginning of which have just brightened up Lundi society: I respect the document.
"here lies truly missing lady C.P. wife of Mr S.P." This lady born for the trade, at the age of 19 before her marriage alone holding the part of the draperies.
Shortly after, she brought together other branches which stopped with her, her work occupying her night and day, her desires to acquire the esteem and confidence of everyone by her behaviour.
His life was courageous in his travels, firm in his projects, bold in his expeditions, but too sensitive to aggravating circumstances. Her life were cut short and she ended her career on June 6, 1822 without having made any mistake in her life.
That’s all! With much respect and friendship around you.
G.D.

Item Date:  1871

Stock No:  40623      £475

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