Beschreibung:

Ludwig van Beethoven
Fine characteristic autograph letter signed (“Beethowen”), to his friend Nikolaus von Zmeskall, dated by the recipient “28 8br [1]810”
enquiring about a recipe for boot-blacking, making a joke of the request and insisting that Zmeskall’s servant does not bring it as he cannot abide him
…Ich bitte um das Stiefelwi‹ch›ksrezept, ein gewi‹ch›kster Kopf bedarf auch eines gewichsten Stiefel—Die sache wird wohl ohne ihren Bedienten thunlich seyn…
1 page, 4to (22x19.5cm), with integral autograph address-panel, with a modern typed transcription and translation, on or before 28 October 1810, creased where folded before 28 October 1810, a few tiny stains, edges trimmed
A SPLENDID, HUMOROUS LETTER BY BEETHOVEN, the autograph of which has long been unavailable to modern Beethoven scholarship.
Count Nikolaus von Zmeskall was one of Beethoven’s oldest friends and drinking partners, with whom he could communicate in a relaxed and unbuttoned manner. Beethoven's request here for boot polish is accompanied by the humorous observation that a 'well-polished head also needs a well-polished boot'. The misdemeanour of the servant is not elaborated on by Beethoven.
LITERATURE:Anderson, no.282; Brandenburg, no.476 (only recto known from facsimile; location described as 'nicht bekannt'); A. Holde, 'Brief aus New York. Unbekannte Briefe von Beethoven, Liszt und Brahms', Die amerikanische Rundschau, 2 (1946), p.87 (facsimile).