Description
Very rare autograph letter signed, one page (postcard) - with postage stamp, 5,5 x 3,5 inch, Dijon, 10.05.1906, in French, to "Mesdemoiselles Pluchen" in Paris - Dunant expresses his gratitude for a painting by Hobbema* and praises provincial museums in France, written and signed in dark ink "H. D", attractively mounted (removable) for fine display with a portrait picture of Henry Dunant (altogether 8,25 x 11,75 inch), with very mild signs of age wear - in nearly very fine condition.
"Merci pour votre joli `Hobbema` qui ne contribuera pas pour peu à embellir notre collection. A ce propos nous sommes enchantés des `Musées de Province`, après avoir visité ceux de Toulon, Marseille, Avignon, Lyon & Dijon. On réalise ainsi il y a de belles choses en dehors de Paris, réunies avec goût dans des salles moyennes; ainsi plus agréables & moins fatigantes à voir. Presque toutes dons onleys de collectionneurs particuliers.
A bientôt le plaisir de vous en causer. Mille bons souvenirs - H.D."
Translated:
"Thank you for your lovely Hobbema, which will greatly enhance our collection. Speaking of which, we are delighted with the provincial museums, having visited those in Toulon, Marseille, Avignon, Lyon, and Dijon. It makes you realize there are beautiful things outside of Paris, tastefully assembled in medium-sized galleries; thus, more pleasant and less tiring to view. Almost all of them come exclusively from private collectors.
Looking forward to discussing them with you soon. Many fond memories - H.D."
* Meindert Lubbertszoon Hobbema (1638-1709) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of landscapes, specializing in views of woodland, although his most famous painting, The Avenue at Middelharnis (1689, National Gallery, London), shows a different type of scene.
Further Information on the person
Profession:
(born Jean-Henri Dunant; 1828-1910) Swiss humanitarian, businessman, and social activist. He was the visionary, promoter, and co-founder of the Red Cross. In 1901, he received the first Nobel Peace Prize together with Frédéric Passy. Dunant was the first Swiss Nobel laureate.
Year of Birth: 1828
Henry Dunant was a Swiss businessman and social activist born on May 8, 1828, in Geneva, Switzerland. He is best known as the founder of the Red Cross and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
Dunant's passion for humanitarian work was sparked by his experiences during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where he witnessed the suffering of wounded soldiers on the battlefield. This led him to publish a book titled A Memory of Solferino, which called for the establishment of relief organizations to aid wounded soldiers in times of war.
In 1863, Dunant co-founded the International Committee of the Red Cross, which later became the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. He played a crucial role in the drafting of the Geneva Convention, which established protections for wounded soldiers and prisoners of war during armed conflicts.
Despite his groundbreaking work in humanitarianism, Dunant's business ventures eventually failed, leading to financial ruin. He spent his later years in poverty and obscurity, but his legacy lived on through the Red Cross Movement.
Henry Dunant passed away on October 30, 1910, in Heiden, Switzerland. His contributions to the field of humanitarianism continue to be celebrated and honored to this day.
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