280 - TALMA, François-Joseph. Set of 2 signed autograph letters.

TALMA, François-Joseph. Set of 2 signed autograph letters. A set of 2 signed autograph letters from the great actor François-Joseph Talma (1763–1826), famous for his theatrical innovations during the French Revolution and the First Empire, a close friend of Napoleon’s and his “favorite actor,” particularly thanks to his performance in *Cinna*, Corneille’s play. The set consists of the following: - Autograph signed letter (L.A.S.), 2½ pages, in-8 format, Marseille, March 6 [1919], with address, postmarks, and wax seal marks on the back (rare and minimal foxing). A letter of great interest sent by Talma to Mr. Singier, director of the Nîmes theater, regarding the organization of his provincial tour, for which he wishes to avoid performances that would be inappropriate both for himself and for the audience. He lists the names of the actors he wishes to see perform Hamlet, Britannicus, Andromache, etc., asserting that an actor, no matter how talented, cannot compensate for the weaknesses of his fellow performers. - L.A.S., 1 half-page in-8, [Paris, 1825], Talma announces his final performance, which will include the tragedy *Othello*—which he has not performed in 20 years—*Les Voitures versées*, an opera in which Martin will appear for the last time in Paris, as well as the *Ballet de Paris*, which has not been performed for a long time. He concludes with this recommendation: “In the short article you will be so kind as to write, do not state that, despite this farewell performance, I am remaining at the theater; leave the public in doubt”… In good condition.