Léon TOLSTOY Rare signed autograph letter (1902)

  

, 1828 - 1910) - Russian writer. Paul Fontaine - [Yasnaya Polyana, south of Moscow]. [November 17, 1902, in the Julian calendar] - 1 page in-8, in French; the recipient's name cut out from the letter and the envelope. Very rare letter in the form of a statement of faith.

"I was very happy to hear from you, especially since your news seems to be good. I believe that once the true doctrine of life, which consists of fulfilling God's will and not one's own, is accepted, it is impossible to stray from the right path. This is what you have experienced. You will please me greatly by giving me news from time to time." Paul Fontaine was a French doctor; coming from a wealthy family, he gave up most of his fortune to settle in a village, where he worked with the poor.

This letter is a response to another one sent on November 11 by the French doctor to Tolstoy. Provenance: sale Pierre Bergé & associés, November 2010. Margins and recipient's identity cut out, see photos.