35 - [AUTOGRAPH]. LABICHE, Eugène. A set consisting of a signed autograph letter regarding his election to the Académie française and an engraved portrait.

[AUTOGRAPH]. LABICHE, Eugène. A set consisting of a signed autograph letter regarding his election to the Académie française and an engraved portrait. 1 handwritten page, in-12 format (100 x 150 mm), in black ink, signed and dated March 5, 1880, accompanied by a portrait (subject: 105 x 155 mm) engraved by Louis Sénaim and printed by the A. Quantin printing house, housed in an anthracite-colored folder bearing the handwritten name “Labiche.” The folder is frayed and worn; there are small foxing spots along the margins of the portrait, and a piece of adhesive tape on the back of the letter. A rare autograph letter signed by the playwright Eugène Labiche (1815–1888) regarding his election to the Académie française in 1880, accompanied by a bust portrait engraved by Louis Sénaim. Eugène Labiche, the undisputed master of vaudeville and comedy of manners during the Second Empire and the Third Republic (Un chapeau de paille d’Italie, Le Voyage de Monsieur Perrichon), was elected to the Académie française on February 26, 1880, to succeed Silvestre de Sacy. Written just one week after his official election, this friendly letter reflects the shock of his appointment and the flood of congratulations he received (“400 cards or letters on my desk”). In it, he offers a delightful quip about the legendary status of Academy members: “[…] this will be for a long time, since here I am, immortal.” Full transcription: “March 5, 1880 / I knew full well, my dear friend, that I had received a letter from you, but I couldn’t find it. I have 400 cards or letters on my desk, and yours was buried underneath. It certainly wasn’t where it belonged, given the depth of our friendship. Anyway, I have it now, and I can thank you and tell you how much I love you—and this will last a long time, since I am now immortal. / With all my heart / Eugène Labiche” In excellent condition.