SUVEE (Joseph-Benoit). - Lot 358

SUVEE (Joseph-Benoit). 1743–1807. Painter, Director of the Academy of Rome, rival of David. Letter from the author to Mrs. Favart, widow. Rome, March 14, 1806, and June 10, 1807. 3½ pp. and 1 p., in-4, address on the reverse. Letter of condolence upon the death of his friend, the actor Justin Favart (1749–1806). “(…) If only I had been able to combine the consolations of a friendship cemented by forty years with the eagerness of all your friends to dispel your cruel sorrows (…). As for the care you took to mention in your estate inventory following the death of your unfortunate husband what you owe me or my wife under a notarized contract, this is simply a matter of your honesty (…). He recommends it to (Lacépède), who has expressed sympathy for their situation. Regarding his former servant “good old Vata” and several acquaintances, he mentions his friend, the portrait painter Joseph-François Ducq. ENCLOSED is a letter from Charlotte-Louise Suvée (née Rameau), informing Favart’s son of his father’s death and reminding him of the provisions of the Favart will, in order to alleviate his financial situation (Rome, June 10, 1807, 1 p. in-4, address on the reverse.)