Lot n° 417
Estimation :
500 - 800
EUR
Result with fees
Result
: 773EUR
DIPLOMATIC GIFT FROM MARTIN VAN BURE, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITE - Lot 417
DIPLOMATIC GIFT FROM MARTIN VAN BURE, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TO ALEXANDRE VATTEMARE.
Imitation book case, large folio (530 mm x 390 mm), period binding in green morocco gilt by Wilson Pok[...]psie N.Y., both covers decorated with architectural motifs and floral friezes, title in gold lettering on cover "The President, Senate and
House of Representatives of the United States of America to
Alexander Vattemare, Washington, 1840". Ornate spine, title in gold lettering "Approbatory documents". The exhibition catalog L'Ambassadeur extravagant, Alexandre
Vattemare, ventriloquist and pioneer of international cultural exchange.
Slight wear, good condition
Biography: Alexandre Vattemare (1796-1864) was a ventriloquist, philanthropist and celebrity of his time. He was the creator of the first international cultural exchange system.
History: During a trip to the United States in 1839, he submitted a memorial to Congress, calling for the establishment of international book exchanges between libraries. Thanks to his tenacity, the 26th U.S. Congress passed a law on July 17, 1840 to support his initiative. On this occasion, the 8th President of the United States of America, Martin van Buren, presented Mr. Vattermare with a copy of the law.
Mr. Vattermare received a copy of the bill in question (now held by the Bibliothèque Administrative de la Bille in Paris), which is enclosed in our wallet case, dedicated and decorated with a sublime design.
Reference: Quoted in Le Correspondant, Tome 21, Librairie de Sagnier et
Bray, Paris, 1848, p. 714-715: "When Mr. Vattemare arrived in Washington, Congress was assembled [...] President Van Buren himself told Mr. Vattemare that the time was ripe for a meeting.
Vattemare that the time was not right [...]. For 17 whole days, M.
Vattemare never left the Capitol. He attached himself successively to each member of the legislature [...] and on July 17, 1840, the bill was passed by both houses. President Van Buren gave Mr. Vattemare a magnificent copy of the law on parchment, enclosed in a green morocco wallet, with this inscription: Le Président, le Sénat et la chambre des représentants d'Amérique à Alexandre Vattemare 1840. This portfolio, enriched on the boards with gilding of excellent taste, gives a very favorable idea of the talent of Union bookbinders". Quoted in the exhibition catalog L'Ambassadeur extravagant, Alexandre Vattemare, Boston Public Library & Paris bibliothèques, 2007, p. 93: "President Van Buren gives Alexandre Vattemare, in a green morocco portfolio with magnificent gilding, a copy on parchment".
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue