Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Grand Tour Letters Five manus...

Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Grand Tour Letters Five manuscripts concerning Enlightenment literature, aristocratic society, diplomatic disputes and Continental travel, 1748–1751 Five manuscript letters and drafts in Italian and French, in brown ink on laid paper, comprising four bifolia, one inserted leaf and a further folded manuscript, together approximately fourteen pages and four corrected sections written. Retaining original folds; condition varying but generally very good, one letter suffering substantial fold damage, with textual loss. Unidentified learned correspondent to Thomas Steavens, Vienna, 10 September 1751; unsigned Italian manuscript letter, one bifolium with a separate leaf inserted centrally, three leaves and six pages written, docketed "Vienna 10mo Sett. 1751". Discussing recent French visitors to Vienna, contemporary authors, proposed publications and literary and ecclesiastical patronage. The writer refers to Count Firmian and offers extensive observations upon Charles Batteux, the Marquis de Vauvenargues and his Introduction à la connaissance de l'esprit humain, Lorenz Heister, George Berkeley and a proposed Benedictine edition of Du Cange drawing upon manuscripts in the royal library and archives. Also discussing royal approval, Cardinal Fleury and the abbey of Saint-Germain. Substantial losses and splitting along the folds, affecting several lines; apparently incomplete and lacking the writer's signature. Christian Albrecht Casimir, Burgrave of Kirchberg and Count of Sayn-Hachenburg (1726–1772), to Thomas Steavens, Vienna, 7 March 1750; manuscript letter in French, one bifolium, three pages written, with contemporary docket dated 14 March. Sending a recommendation for an Italian formerly employed by Steavens, referring playfully to his reputation among the women of Vienna and reporting the regret felt by his Viennese friends at his absence. Light spotting and minor marginal wear; generally very good. Joseph von Bülow to Thomas Steavens, Berlin, 26 November 1748; manuscript letter signed "de Bülow", in French, one bifolium, two pages written, with contemporary docket dated 17 December. A warm letter thanking Steavens for his friendship and company, conveying news and compliments from their shared Berlin circle and wishing him a happy onward journey. Occasional light spotting and minor marginal wear; generally very good. Panton, manuscript draft concerning a dispute with an unidentified foreign governor, [c.1748–1751]; in French, four narrow sections written, with numerous contemporary corrections and cancellations. Concerning the escape of Panton's servant, the governor's attempts to prevent it, an unfortunately worded official communication and Panton's demand for a formal explanation; concluding with thanks on behalf of the Englishmen involved. Unsigned and undated; generally very good. Niccolò, surname indistinct, to Thomas Steavens, Venice, 20 February 1751; autograph letter signed, in Italian, one bifolium, three pages written. Thanking Steavens for his friendship and generosity and requesting an English-made gold watch with chain and two gold seals, without a repeating mechanism, costing approximately one hundred sequins; payment was to be arranged through Joseph Smith, British consul at Venice, distinguished collector and patron of Canaletto. Creasing, staining and loss to the upper margin; otherwise generally good. A varied group illuminating Steavens's intellectual, social and financial connections across Vienna, Berlin and Venice. The most substantial letter provides unusually detailed evidence of contemporary engagement with Batteux, Vauvenargues, Berkeley and Du Cange, while the Venetian letter connects Steavens with Joseph Smith and the international market for fashionable English watches. (5)

Estimación:179,79€

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