254 - LEMAIRE (Philippe-Joseph-Henri) (1798–1880).

LEMAIRE (Philippe-Joseph-Henri) (1798–1880). French sculptor, winner of the First Grand Prix de Rome in 1821. A student of Cartellier, member of the Institut, and creator, among other works, of the bas-relief *The Last Judgment* adorning the pediment of the Church of the Madeleine in Paris. Autograph letter signed “Lemaire” to a gentleman. Paris, April 20, 1852. 1 page, large 8vo. An interesting letter devoted to a question of artistic composition, in which the sculptor revisits a discussion concerning the use of bronze figures in the decoration of a monument. “I spoke during yesterday’s session not against the article, as the bulletin states, but about this article [...] ” Lemaire clarifies that he indicated that, while retaining the Prince’s effigy, it would be possible to place the Eagle on the reverse side of the bronze coins intended to bear an inscription. He adds: “Mr. de Vintrey’s response gives me hope that this idea can be realized within the latitude allowed by the provision of the law regarding the design of the reverse side. ” He thanks his correspondent for his kindness and asks him to request that the relevant administrative official provide him with the plans necessary to review the project. This is an interesting letter for the history of official sculpture and political iconography at the beginning of the Second Empire.