HUMBOLDT ALEXANDER VON Autograph Letter Signed AHumboldt to Sanskrit scholar Antoine Léonard de Chézy in French

Sale 2628 - Lot 143

Price Realized: $ 562

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Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900

HUMBOLDT, ALEXANDER VON. Autograph Letter Signed, "AHumboldt," to Sanskrit scholar Antoine-Léonard de Chézy, in French, suggesting that a certain figurine was created with the intention of resembling depictions of Vishnu, listing cognate terms in three languages as proof, requesting more information about the figurine, hoping for a reference in Sanskrit, and sending regards to Mr. Haase. 2 pages, 8vo, with integral address leaf; faint scattered foxing, horizontal fold. [Paris?], circa 1800

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". . . I believe as you do that traces [outline?] of Vishnu have nothing to do with the ollise figure and that the resemblance is only accidental. However, please cast your eyes on the [entire?] figure and you see that it was made to resemble Vishnu. Besides, I don't need this proof. Other signs suffice for me: [three columns of terms in "Mexican" (Aztec, Mayan?), Tibetan and Greek showing cognate relationships] . . . . Would you . . . tell me again a few more words about this figure which has an enormous tongue . . . . Perhaps cite some passage in Sanskrit where this idea is expressed. . . ."