Alexandre Dumas Writes To Victor Hugo - Autograph Letter Signed - 1836
Artist: Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo
Autograph letter signed by Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) to Victor Hugo (1802-1885), May 20, 1836, a moving testament to the friendship between the two giants of French literature. Paris, May 20, 1836.
– One page in quarto on a double sheet with autograph address. Trace of a stamp. Splendid calligraphy by Alexandre Dumas of Victor Hugo's name in the address.
Large size: 23 x 31 cm with sheets unfolded (page only: 23 x 16 cm).
In May 1836, Dumas achieved undeniable popular success at the Théâtre de la Porte-Saint-Martin with Don Juan de Marana, which premiered on April 30; his main objective was then to return to the Comédie-Française (Théâtre Français). Working on Caligula, he wanted to write in verse to prove to his detractors that he had mastered the grand classical form (and the alexandrine verse), and he needed Mademoiselle Mars (1779-1847) and her immense renown to carry the play.
The meeting at the actress's luxurious villa in Neuilly was part of Dumas's courtship to persuade her to accept his future projects. Dumas wanted to impress and venture into the territory of Victor Hugo, then the master of Romantic verse. The play finally premiered on December 26, 1837, at the Théâtre-Français. Dumas spent a fortune on sets and costumes to recreate Imperial Rome. Despite Mademoiselle Mars's presence, the play was received coldly and ran for only about twenty performances.
It was a commercial and critical failure for Dumas, but the dawn of greater fame and his greatest successes to come with the advent of his future serialized novels. In the same year, 1836, Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, both 34 years old, maintained close ties within the framework of their theatrical projects and worked together to obtain from the Duke of Orléans the privilege of creating a theater dedicated to the Romantic repertoire (which would eventually lead to the Théâtre de la Renaissance).
In November 1836, Dumas even wrote to Hugo to inform him of his efforts with Mr. Guizot regarding this theater project, stating, "We must therefore do nothing without each other, but everything through each other and with each other." The autograph letters between the two men are particularly sought after. "My dear Victor, Tomorrow, Sunday, we have a day off and an appointment at Mademoiselle Mars's in Neuilly, so it is impossible for me to accept your kind invitation. Any other day of the week that pleases you – at your service. With warmest regards, A. Dumas [On the left-hand page, in Alexandre Dumas's handwriting] Monsieur Victor Hugo 6 Royal Square
– One page in quarto on a double sheet with autograph address. Trace of a stamp. Splendid calligraphy by Alexandre Dumas of Victor Hugo's name in the address.
Large size: 23 x 31 cm with sheets unfolded (page only: 23 x 16 cm).
In May 1836, Dumas achieved undeniable popular success at the Théâtre de la Porte-Saint-Martin with Don Juan de Marana, which premiered on April 30; his main objective was then to return to the Comédie-Française (Théâtre Français). Working on Caligula, he wanted to write in verse to prove to his detractors that he had mastered the grand classical form (and the alexandrine verse), and he needed Mademoiselle Mars (1779-1847) and her immense renown to carry the play.
The meeting at the actress's luxurious villa in Neuilly was part of Dumas's courtship to persuade her to accept his future projects. Dumas wanted to impress and venture into the territory of Victor Hugo, then the master of Romantic verse. The play finally premiered on December 26, 1837, at the Théâtre-Français. Dumas spent a fortune on sets and costumes to recreate Imperial Rome. Despite Mademoiselle Mars's presence, the play was received coldly and ran for only about twenty performances.
It was a commercial and critical failure for Dumas, but the dawn of greater fame and his greatest successes to come with the advent of his future serialized novels. In the same year, 1836, Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, both 34 years old, maintained close ties within the framework of their theatrical projects and worked together to obtain from the Duke of Orléans the privilege of creating a theater dedicated to the Romantic repertoire (which would eventually lead to the Théâtre de la Renaissance).
In November 1836, Dumas even wrote to Hugo to inform him of his efforts with Mr. Guizot regarding this theater project, stating, "We must therefore do nothing without each other, but everything through each other and with each other." The autograph letters between the two men are particularly sought after. "My dear Victor, Tomorrow, Sunday, we have a day off and an appointment at Mademoiselle Mars's in Neuilly, so it is impossible for me to accept your kind invitation. Any other day of the week that pleases you – at your service. With warmest regards, A. Dumas [On the left-hand page, in Alexandre Dumas's handwriting] Monsieur Victor Hugo 6 Royal Square
2 800 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th
Condition: Good condition
Width: 23
Height: 31 cm
Reference (ID): 1730747
Availability: In stock
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