Duarte, Gaspar

asking him for a pair of the beautiful French and Italian airs that were presented to Huygens by a musician named La Verane, whose fine airs 'Ochi belli guarci', 'Se credi col ferir', 'Amor, darmi tormento' are in his possession, describing the domestic music ensembles they have formed at his home, composed of three instruments suitable for three ladies on spinet, lute and viola bastarda, and himself on the violin on third treble, and recommending Huygens do the same with his four sons; Duarte also expresses pleasure that His Highness [Frederik Henry] found the "manteca d'azar" agreeable, requesting confirmation of his safe conduct through the states of Holland,

signed written in French in brown ink, 1 page, folio (32 x 23cms), Antwerp, 21 November 1641, some browning and fraying to edges

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 affords a rare glimpse into the cultural and domestic life of a great artistic patron of the seventeenth century. Gaspar was the distinguished patriarch of the Duarte family, jewellers and diamond merchants of Jewish-Portuguese descent. Their home in Antwerp was a hub for the cultural élite of the Low Countries in this period; eminent musicians, artists and writers all came to hear the Duarte children perform “une musique domestique”, their famed family chamber concerts. His correspondent, Constantijn Huygens, often described as the most culturally influential Dutchman of his day, was a diplomat by trade, though also an accomplished composer. Their relationship was based on a strong mutual love of music.

Of particular interest is the detailed discussion of the ensemble formed by Duarte's family. The "petit concerts d'instruments", described as suitable for three ladies ("aveq leur particulier, d'estre de trois filles"), comprised a spinet, lute, and "viole bastarde" (not an instrument but a polyphonic performance technique on the viola da gamba), with Duarte himself on the violin on third treble ("le 3m dessus"). The composer of the airs he admires, referred to as "un gentilhomme musicien, nommé La Verane", may be the singer Bernard de Varenne, who visited Huygens in Holland in January 1640.