- 9
# - Beethoven, Ludwig van.
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Unpublished manuscript receipt boldly signed by the composer in roman script ("L. v. Beethoven")
acknowledging the receipt of a sealed letter, which has just arrived for him from Olmütz, delivered through the good offices of his publishers S.A. Steiner, ("...aus Ollmüz zur Abgabe bey Herrn S. A. Steiner & Comp allhier angelangtes sigillirtes Briefchen...")
1 page, 4to (c.20 x 19cms), Vienna, 27 March 1820, some browning
1 page, 4to (c.20 x 19cms), Vienna, 27 March 1820, some browning
Condition
The illustration in the printed catalogue gives a fair impression of the browning, though the original is less reddish than the picture. The original colour of the paper was probably light brown, to judge from the verso and a folded segment not visible in the illustration.
The central crease appears a bit exaggerated in the picture: the paper is not split nor repaired. There are indeed three tiny pieces of tape on verso, but no actual restoration or repair.
The item is not quite square, but very approximately 8" tall and 7½" wide: there is a segment (below the image displayed) which is folded and not visible in our illustration. The paper is not particularly thick but seems sound. There is slight splitting at the bottom fold on the extreme right (just where the tiny figure 9 appears in our printed catalogue).
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Unpublished: Not in Anderson, or S. Brandenburg, Briefwechsel Gesamtausgabe.
This receipt appears to relate to a letter that the Archduke Rudolf sent Beethoven two days earlier from Olmütz, explaining his departure from Vienna (see Brandenburg, no.1375). Rudolf had just been enthroned as Archbishop of Olmütz. It is not clear if Beethoven is here acknowledging receipt of that letter or some other "Briefchen", perhaps containing money.