Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev (1818-1883)
To a young singer on her engagement. 1862
Autograph letter signed ('I. Tourguéneff') to Julienne [Opravil], 210 rue de Rivoli, Paris, 31 October 1862.

In French. Three pages, 207 x 135mm, on a bifolium with blind-stamped initials 'JT'. Provenance: Stargardt, 21/22 November 2006, lot 325.

'The air of royal courts, even in small quantities – always has something harmful in it': a sparkling letter to a young singer on her engagement. The letter opens on a sustained happy note: 'you see that I am not such a bad prophet! You have found the happiness that you so richly deserved – and we shall meet again soon – for I hope that you will come and spend at least a part of your honeymoon in Paris ... Now that the thing is done, I may tell you that I do not much regret that you did not go to Petersburg: the climate might have been dangerous for your health, which is not invincible – and then the air of royal courts, even in small quantities – always has something harmful in it ... All the more because you will not give up music – and if the public, who have given you such a warm welcome, will no longer enjoy your talents, your friends will lose nothing – for your future husband will not have the exclusive monopoly of them'. Turgenev has been back in Paris for five days, 'and the whole Viardot family has just arrived. Yesterday the inauguration of the Théatre Lyrique took place – and Mme Viardot sang the 4th Act of Orphée – admirably well'. Turgenev has seen his daughter Paulinette 'in good health, plumper'; she has seen Julienne recently. Turgenev ends this spritely note with a declaration of his intention to throw 'splendid balls this year ... there must be weddings – everywhere ... and especially at my house'.

In February 1862 Turgenev had published his masterpiece, Fathers and Sons.

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