Epistolary Collection

Illustration for Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos De Laclos (colour litho)
5219139 Illustration for Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos De Laclos (colour litho) by Berty, Maurice (1884-1946); Private Collection; (add.info)

Illustration for Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos De Laclos (colour litho)
5219137 Illustration for Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos De Laclos (colour litho) by Berty, Maurice (1884-1946); Private Collection; (add.info)

Illustration from Julie or the New Heloise, c. 1852 (colour litho)
955429 Illustration from Julie or the New Heloise, c.1852 (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Julie, or the New Heloise (French: Julie)

Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Madame de Sevigne, French epistolary writer famous for her letters to her daughter Madame de Grignan, 1626-1696

Marie Gigault de Bellefonds, Marquise de Villars, epistolary writer and wife of Pierre de Villars 1624-1706. Handcoloured lithograph after an original portrait from Le Bibliophile Jacob aka Paul

Clarissa Harlowe (engraving)
5199199 Clarissa Harlowe (engraving) by Landseer, Charles (1799-1879) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Clarissa Harlowe. Illustration for The Art Journal, 1850.); © Look and Learn

Richardson, (1689-1761), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Richardson, (1689-1761), 1830. Samuel Richardson (1689-1761) English writer printer and publisher best known for his epistolary novels. From " Biographical Illustrations", by Alfred Howard

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Epistolary: The Art of Unveiling Secrets Through Letters" In the world of literature, there exists a captivating form known as epistolary writing, and is a genre that weaves intricate tales through the exchange of letters, allowing readers to delve into the intimate thoughts and emotions of its characters. As we gaze upon the vivid illustrations from renowned works like "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Choderlos De Laclos and "Julie or the New Heloise, " we are transported to an era where letter-writing was an art form in itself. These delicate lithographs bring to life the clandestine affairs, forbidden desires, and complex relationships hidden within each missive. Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Madame de Sevigne, and Marie Gigault de Bellefonds, Marquise de Villars grace these pages with their graceful presence. Their elegant penmanship reveals not only their intelligence but also their ability to convey profound emotions through ink on paper. The engraving depicting Clarissa Harlowe reminds us of Samuel Richardson's masterpiece—a tale filled with heart-wrenching correspondence that exposes societal constraints and moral dilemmas. Each stroke captures Clarissa's struggle for independence amidst a web of manipulation and deceit. Pamela Andrews shows Mr Williams a secret hiding place for her letters—an act symbolic of her resilience against oppression in Richardson's novel. This poignant image serves as a reminder that even in times when one's voice may be silenced, words can still find ways to reach those who need them most. These illustrations from "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" transport us once again into this scandalous world where love becomes entangled with deception. The vibrant colors breathe life into characters whose destinies are shaped by every word they write or receive.