Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev (1818-1883)
An invitation to George Sand. 1873
Autograph letter signed ('Iv. Tourguéneff') to George Sand, 48 rue de Douai, Paris, 17 November 1873.

In French. Two pages, 208 x 132mm, on paper with embossed initials 'IT'. Provenance: Boisgirard-Antonini, Paris, 6 April 2016, lot 18.

An affectionate invitation to George Sand. 'Not being able to send any game – for the good reason that Viardot and I have not killed any, – I make bold to send you a little barrel of oysters – and I hope "that it will be good" – since this is the accustomed phrase'. Turgenev and the Viardots have been anxious at hearing bad news of Sand's health, 'but the kind Plauchut has reassured us. – Come to Paris for a few days – if only for a change of air; we will strive to amuse you – as much as we can ... you know well how much you are loved in rue de Douai ...'.

The friendship between Turgenev and George Sand (1804-1876) was long and affectionate, dating back to Turgenev's first visit to France in 1848. It was Turgenev who said of her 'What a brave man she was, and what a good woman'.

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