Robert de Montesquiou praises Jean Lorrain's decadent collection.

Robert de Montesquiou (1855.1921)

Autographed letter signed to Jean Lorrain.

Four pages in-12° on blue paper addressed to him.

Tab mark on the 4th^sheet .

Versailles. December 5, 1893

« I took your pain into account

From one dandy to another: Robert de Montesquiou praises with emphasis and lyricism the decadent collection of short stories by Jean Lorrain, Buveur d'âmes, published by Charpentier in 1893.

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“Dear Sir, I must thank you for your memory which is my book; – shall I say of your book which is my memory? Do we not all have to recall, re-exhaust and re-exhaust in its ingenious title, some intoxication of animic cup and sentimental chalice? Your second title must only be a subtitle making the first benefit all our intoxications of delights and dregs.

I love that the glass of water from the Gospel seemed to spring forth; and Beyond (whose last page verges on the great mystery) – and Ugly, which best bear witness to this, please me most. I would not be surprised by certain benevolent and welcome signs that the refreshing current of this drop of Lazarus's water might not gradually sweeten and soften your work, in which I recognize, it seems to me, by comparison, a serenity in which your prestigious improvisation is embellished, where universal pity finds solace, where individual sympathy shines forth.

I, who have long boasted of living among these serene sisters, am writing to you about our books. May a somewhat common—and even more banal—rage to consider myself a purely dilettantenot lead you to feel unfair to mine—certainly. I am one, and I flatter myself by it. For wouldn't the definition of the finest work of art be that whose creation has retained the most of the love that tempted us to bring it into being? And wouldn't the expressive dilettante then have the right to call himself one of the most refined producers? I was savoring, the other day, on the subject of my Flowers, this kind remark from a sensitive judge: that it was already a mark of distinction to have seen them where the professional poet would have limited himself to lilies and roses—and even then, without really distinguishing one from the other. But I realize that I have spoken to you about your books. I have taken your trouble. Retain the pleasure with my best regards. Count Robert de Montesquiou Fezensac.

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Montesquiou and Jean Lorrain moved in the same literary and social circles of the late 19th century, navigating a complex mix of admiration and rivalry. Lorrain was fascinated by Montesquiou's personality and aesthetic, which notably inspired some of his characters. Montesquiou, for his part, followed Lorrain's work closely and held him in high literary esteem, as this letter demonstrates. Their relationship, however, gradually deteriorated, with Lorrain becoming increasingly critical and satirical of Montesquiou. They thus remained two figures both close and rivals within the decadent world, their relationship oscillating between fascination, esteem, jealousy, and hostility.