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SWETCHINE, Sophie Jeanne Soimonova (1782-1857, writer and mystic). A series of twenty-six autograph letters, most signed ('S. Swetchine', 'S. Swe.' or 'S') to various friends including Madame Swistounoff (2), Auguste [Galitzine] (one, unsigned), Madame Zawadowsky, Joseph-Marie, baron de Gérando and other unidentified correspondents [including one to Madame Récamier], Paris, Naples (2), Tours (one) and n.p., n.d. [23 January [1825]-[1847], approximately 64 pages, 8vo, three address panels (2 letters incomplete). Provenance: Robert Schuman collection (notes in his hand are with several of the letters).
Friendly and sympathetic letters to members of her circle of friends in Paris, some referring to charity and good works, one on a visit to Madame de Liancourt who is seeking funds 'pour une jeune fille placée dans un Institut de Londres'; showing understanding on the death of a pet, 'cette charmante Bichette; un Joujou Vivant', and asking if her friend will have the courage to replace her; to Madame Récamier on her arrival, with her husband, in Naples, 'Nous voici à Naples, heureusement échappées à des dangers qui dans ce moment surtout sont loin d'etre chimériques ... nous sommes arrivées hier à la nuit tombante, bientot après la lune s'est levée sur cet admirable Golfe. Aujourdhui j'ai vu lever le soleil et c'est seulement pour vous ecrire que je quitte ce ravissant tableau ... '. The letters include many references to family, including her stepdaughter 'Varinka', and friends both Russian and French, including the Duke of Orléans, Madame [Roxana] de Stourdza (Countess Edling), and other habitués of her salon.
Born in Russia and married to a general twenty-five years her senior, Madame Swetchine had converted in Russia to the Roman Catholic church. She maintained a salon noted for its intellectual quality and courtesy, as well as its spiritual atmosphere. (26)
Friendly and sympathetic letters to members of her circle of friends in Paris, some referring to charity and good works, one on a visit to Madame de Liancourt who is seeking funds 'pour une jeune fille placée dans un Institut de Londres'; showing understanding on the death of a pet, 'cette charmante Bichette; un Joujou Vivant', and asking if her friend will have the courage to replace her; to Madame Récamier on her arrival, with her husband, in Naples, 'Nous voici à Naples, heureusement échappées à des dangers qui dans ce moment surtout sont loin d'etre chimériques ... nous sommes arrivées hier à la nuit tombante, bientot après la lune s'est levée sur cet admirable Golfe. Aujourdhui j'ai vu lever le soleil et c'est seulement pour vous ecrire que je quitte ce ravissant tableau ... '. The letters include many references to family, including her stepdaughter 'Varinka', and friends both Russian and French, including the Duke of Orléans, Madame [Roxana] de Stourdza (Countess Edling), and other habitués of her salon.
Born in Russia and married to a general twenty-five years her senior, Madame Swetchine had converted in Russia to the Roman Catholic church. She maintained a salon noted for its intellectual quality and courtesy, as well as its spiritual atmosphere. (26)
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