HUMBOLDT ALEXANDER VON: (1769-1859)

HUMBOLDT ALEXANDER VON: (1769-1859) German polymath, geographer, naturalist and explorer. A.L.S., Ht, an abbreviated form of his surname, two pages, small 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Monsieur Pitois, in French. Humboldt writes to offer his correspondent a lithograph ´ qui vous fera quelque plaisir´ (Translation: ´which will give you some pleasure´) and asks if he will take two others to Strasbourg and, if possible, send them to Messrs. Lombard and Voltz, remarking ´C´est une speculation un peu hazardee d´un jeune artiste rempli de talent eleve de M. Gerard´ (Translation: ´This is a rather hazardous speculation by a talented young artist, a pupil of Mr Gerard´) and further stating ´La gravure est faite apres un beau portrait que M. Steube a du faire pour le Comte Voronzov Gouverneur d´Odessa´ (Translation: ´The engraving is made after a beautiful portrait that Mr. Steube must have made for Count Voronzov Governor of Odessa´). With integral address leaf in Humboldt´s hand (some traces of former mounting and a small area of paper loss to one corner). Some light age wear, about VG