^Lot 525 Victor Hugo

Important French writer, artist, and statesman (1802–1885) best known for such canonical novels as Les Misérables and Notre-Dame de Paris (aka The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Much of his literary output was devoted to political and social issues, and in the 1840s he became actively involved in the French government as a legislator and staunch activist on behalf of the Republican cause. In 1851 the controversy surrounding his inflammatory writings denouncing Louis-Napoléon forced him into a two-decade exile, during which his productive creative pace barely slackened. ALS in French, one page, lightly-lined graph-like paper, 4.5 x 7.75, April 22, 1879. Letter to an unidentified gentleman. In full (translated): “I only can agree with all my heart your excellent idea. I am sending to you and to your dear artists’ all my wishes of success. Anywhere you will be, I will be with you. Accept for you and your valiant artists all my encouragements. I will say all my applauses.” Quadruple matted and framed with a full-length portrait of Hugo and a small plaque to an overall size of 21.5 x 19.5. Central horizontal and vertical fold, some light toning and soiling to edges, lightly affecting signature, and a diagonal crease to lower right, otherwise fine condition.