MASSA (Alexandre-Philippe Régnier, marquis de).

Lot 59
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Estimation :
3000 - 4000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 4 940EUR
MASSA (Alexandre-Philippe Régnier, marquis de).
The truant school. Vaudeville in one act. - L'Impromptu de la Monnaie. S.l.n.d. [c. 1868]. Manuscript in-4 of 81 leaves mounted on tabs, red morocco, gilt coat of arms in the centre, interior framed with gilt fillets and motifs, brocaded silk lining and endpapers, gilt edges, case (Affolter). Admirable manuscript on vellum of two comedies composed for the private stage, calligraphed and decorated with great refinement in the spirit of the 18th century in order to be offered to a countess of the Second Empire. The Marquis de Massa (1831-1910), a military officer and playwright, was particularly appreciated in the salons and private circles, but also at the court, since he composed a few theatrical entertainments at the request of the Empress Eugénie. These two vaudevilles, L'École buissonnière and L'Impromptu, bear witness to this "success": these were respectively created on society theatres on March 26, 1865 and March 26, 1868, the first at the Austrian Embassy and the second at the home of Baron de Bussierre at the Hôtel des Monnaies, in honour of the birthday of Countess Edmond de Pourtalès (1836-1914), a brilliant woman of enduring beauty (Boni de Castellane), an intimate of Princess de Metternich and a great familiarity with the imperial court. It should be noted that the Prince and Princess of Metternich, Count Edmond de Pourtalès and even the Marquis of Massa himself play a leading role in at least one of these two plays, if not an extra. Manuscript of exceptional quality of execution, decorated with 2 title frames, one for each piece, 2 original compositions (one executed in wash, the other treated in gouache), 2 very nice portraits in gouache of the Countess of Pourtalès and 2 different interpretations of her figure. The text, framed by a double fillet alternately green, blue, red and gold, is embellished with initials painted in gold on a filigree background and with beautiful culs-de-lampe. Bound in morocco with the arms of the Duke of Massa.
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