The Marquis de Sade (1740–1814), the French aristocrat, writer, and libertine whose name entered the language as a byword for transgressive desire, signs a partial document alongside a second signatory identified as "Bonnefoy [Queret?]." The document is written in French and appears to be an administrative or legal instrument. The legible portions read approximately: "[...] et en notamment / pris de vouloir bien / postiver nos lettres a avignon / et nous les aporter en venant / demain diner avec nous / dimanche." Below, a separate notation reads: "Le directeur de la poste aux lettres en prié de vemettre / en son [?] la lettre aux / signature ci-demour / de Sade / Bonnefoy [Queret?]." The document bears two distinct signatures: a bold "de Sade" underscored with a flourish, and immediately below, the signature of Bonnefoy [Queret?].
The text appears to relate to a postal matter: a request to forward letters from Avignon and to bring them when coming to dine the following Sunday, with a directive to the director of the post office to deliver a letter to the bearer against the signatures given. De Sade spent long periods under various forms of confinement and surveillance, and his correspondence was frequently subject to interception and control by authorities; documents relating to postal matters carry particular biographical resonance. Signed documents by de Sade in any form are exceptionally rare on the open market, and the presence of a second contemporary signature adds administrative authenticity to this fragment.
Estimate: $4,000–$7,000
*Partial autograph document signed, one page, dark ink; approximately 6 x 4 inches; undated; bearing two signatures ("de Sade" and "Bonnefoy [Queret?]"); with light soiling and handling wear, paper somewhat browned; condition consistent with age (IMG_290.jpg).*
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.