599 - Franz Liszt Autograph Letter Signed to Painter Ary Scheffer: "Recent political incidents in Weimar have necessitated the postponement of theater projects"

Franz Liszt Autograph Letter Signed to Painter Ary Scheffer: "Recent political incidents in Weimar have necessitated the postponement of theater projects" ALS in German, signed “F. Liszt,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8, March 17, [1848]. Handwritten letter to to the Dutch-French Romantic painter Ary Scheffer (1795-1858), sending a songbook and promising to continue his efforts to help realizing a concert project in Weimar, which is quite difficult in view of the political turbulence caused by the German revolutions of 1848/49. In part (translated): "The songbook reaching you along with this letter serves, in effect, as a response to the reproach you quite rightly level at me regarding my delay. In the future, I shall endeavor to respond in kind to similar reproaches—often voiced by the few precious friends of your stature, a gesture that not only honors me but also best demonstrates your enduring sympathy and lasting friendship. Rest assured that there is no recommendation I hold more urgent than yours. Unfortunately, recent political incidents in Weimar (and we have not even reached the actual events yet) have necessitated the postponement of theater projects. I have done everything in my power to pave the way for Herr Vogel in an appropriate manner, and, if need be, I shall continue to 'besiege' the theater management with 'The Siege of Leiden.' His Excellency the Prince and the Hereditary Princess—both of whom take a keen interest in the arts—are excellently prepared for Herr Vogel’s arrival and will surely receive him with the utmost goodwill. Should you see him, please convey to him my sincere and warmest regards. I hope to meet you in Paris sometime this spring; I shall be staying there for a fortnight to settle some legal matters. I will endeavor to find a singer—of either gender—to honor you through your songs, and I am delighted to have been able to attach your name to these songs." In fine condition. In 1812, at the age of 17, Scheffer moved to Paris and became a pupil of Baron Pierre Narcisse Guérin. In Guérin’s studio, Scheffer’s style was also influenced by fellow students Théodore Géricault and Eugène Delacroix. He made his debut at the 1819 Salon with his painting 'The Self-Sacrifice of the Burghers of Calais,' and produced a portrait of Liszt in 1837.