Autographs and Manuscripts
TALLEYRAND, Charles Maurice, Prince de Bénévent (1754-1838). French Statesman. ()
Document Signed ("ch mau talleyrand"), as Napoleon's Foreign Minister, a passport for Citizen Belleteste, secretary-interpreter to the Envoy Extraordinary (i.e., Ambassador) to the Bey of Tunis, travelling to Marseille.1 page large folio with a large and impressive vignette showing the figure of liberty holding the tablets of the laws of the Republic, a lion at her feet with a scroll of the Laws, a globe beside her and an angel carrying an olive branch holding a scroll with the words "Alliance / Sureté / Protection / Chez l'Etranger".1 page large folio, c. 18 x 12 ins., Paris, 8 floreal an 11 [28 April 1803].
A most attractive document.The Citizen Belleteste who was travelling to Marseille was a noted orientalist, and one of the scholars who had gone to Egypt with Napoleon in 1798. The work produced by these scholars, the Description de l'Egypte was perhaps the only worthwhile lasting monument to Napoleon's adventure in the Middle East. Belleteste eventually joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an interpreter. He produced translations of various works written in Arabic, including a treatise on precious stones.At the time, travellers required a passport for journeys undertaken within France as well as to foreign parts.The document has been inlaid and is somewhat weak at the folds, but this does not detract from its overall attractive appearance.
Stock Code: AU5235
