Donizetti, Gaetano

addressed to the Marchesa Adelaide de Sterlich (but apparently never delivered), written in a disjointed and rambling manner, with underlinings and repetitions, Donizetti informs the Marchesa that the Emperor of Austria granted him leave of absence, but now he has to return and that he hopes to leave Paris perhaps on Monday, or Tuesday, asking for help paying his travel expenses, assuring her of the goodness of the Emperor, and complaining that servants and postmen are robbing him ("...Io ebbi dal Imperatore d’Austria; uno permesso di star via, [?non più di] 6 mesi; ma quanto è adesso…Forse, Lunedì partirò. Martedì partirò: Bu[o]n dà due!  Pagate le poste, gli alberghi, il mangiare, il dormire; non pensate che à mangiare; dormire; Questo prova il buon cuore, del Nostro Imperatore; il quale m’ha invitato due…Ma...un cameriere, Ladri. Lui, ed un altro…! Il mio servo:...")

2 pages, 4to (c.22 x 17.5cm), integral autograph address leaf ("A.S.E. La Marchesa, Adelaide Sterlik,[née] Cavalcanti a Napoli”), no postmarks, Ivry [near Paris], 7 February 1846, several holes from oxidization of the ink, overall browning

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This letter is poignant testament to Donizetti’s descent into insanity. He was diagnosed with cerebro-spinal syphilis and severe mental illness in the summer of 1845, having returned to Paris after conducting the premiere of the German version of Dom Sébastien in Vienna. With Liszt’s prompting, Donizetti had been made Hofkapellmeister and he was led to believe that he had to visit Vienna to fulfil his obligations. His condition declined and, on 1 February 1846, he was instead taken to a mental institution in Ivry, where he was detained against his will. “On 7 February, his desperation drove him to write a number of frantic notes, incoherent appeals for help.  These letters were never delivered, but remained in the possession of his nephew Andrea”: see W. Ashbrook, Donizetti and his Operas, (1982), p.194, and H. Weinstock, Donizetti, (1964), pp.248-249.  Not in G. Zavadini, Donizetti: vita, musiche, epistolario (1948); for several similar letters, mainly to the Austrian ambassador, Count Apponyi and his wife, see Zavadini, pp.831-837.