Autograph Document Signed, in French, 4to, n.p., Sept. 17, 1798.
SADE, MARQUIS DE [DONATIEN-ALPHONSE-FRANCOIS DE SADE] (1740-1814). French author associated with sexually explicit, abusive activity in life and his fiction. Although sometimes characterized as exemplifying sexual freedom, his name became the term associated with sadism.
This is the official power of attorney for his son Louis Sade. ÒWith these letters I am giving power to citizen Louis Sade, my son, to borrow the sum of twenty thousand francs under the condition that the money will be used as agreed upon between us and will be the conclusion of our mutual arrangements as submitted to the attorney, failing which said loan no longer having the proposal purpose it would be absolutely rejected by me; I also give him power to come to an agreement with citizen Gauffridi with the goal of removing the impoundment, to prevent impoundment, to remove the money obtained from such impoundment, all of this to send me said amount: in concert with citizen Gauffridi who also holds my general powerÓ. Beautifully signed, ÒSade.Ó (Item ID: 1516)
$4,500.00
In 1796, inflation caused Sade to be broke, and he sold his estates. By 1798, he was prepared to commit suicide. During this year he had his book, Juliette published. This book has provided the reader with an unadulterated account of manÕs inhumanity to man, and in this vein, the cynical product of his personal and painful experiences. This novel represents a savage attack on the corruption of 18th century French society. By 1801, his erotic Juliette had offended France so much, that he again was placed behind bars never to be released again. This is an extraordinary letter, helping his son get money before his finances were lost, is an incredible testament.
