Estimate
€ 200 - 220
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Current bid Starting bid
€ 200
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At auction on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 15:00
Information
A fine set of three letters and two notes addressed by Balbo to Modeste Paroletti, concerning a donation to the Academy from the Imperial University. The letters are dated Turin, March 9, 1813, and January 5, 1814, both on headed paper.
Specialist Notes
Prospero Balbo (1762–1837) was one of the most important figures in Piedmont between the Enlightenment, the Napoleonic era and the Restoration.
Born in Chieri and deeply connected to Turin, he was simultaneously a statesman, scholar, economist, and cultural promoter. Balbo belonged to that generation of enlightened aristocrats who sought to modernize the state without challenging the monarchy. His defining characteristic was his ability to mediate between conservative and innovative forces, in a period marked by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
In 1789, he became mayor of Turin, distinguishing himself by reorganizing the city's finances. He later served as ambassador of the Kingdom of Sardinia to the French revolutionary government in Paris, an extremely delicate mission during a time of great political tension. During the Napoleonic era, he accepted the post of rector of the University of Turin and contributed to the reorganization of public education. He was also a leading figure in Piedmontese scientific life, among the founders and later perpetual president of the Turin Academy of Sciences.
After the Restoration, he returned to government as Minister of the Interior. Although loyal to the Savoy monarchy, he supported some prudent constitutional reforms. In 1821, he presented a draft constitution that King Charles Felix deemed too advanced; this marked the end of his active political career.
Born in Chieri and deeply connected to Turin, he was simultaneously a statesman, scholar, economist, and cultural promoter. Balbo belonged to that generation of enlightened aristocrats who sought to modernize the state without challenging the monarchy. His defining characteristic was his ability to mediate between conservative and innovative forces, in a period marked by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
In 1789, he became mayor of Turin, distinguishing himself by reorganizing the city's finances. He later served as ambassador of the Kingdom of Sardinia to the French revolutionary government in Paris, an extremely delicate mission during a time of great political tension. During the Napoleonic era, he accepted the post of rector of the University of Turin and contributed to the reorganization of public education. He was also a leading figure in Piedmontese scientific life, among the founders and later perpetual president of the Turin Academy of Sciences.
After the Restoration, he returned to government as Minister of the Interior. Although loyal to the Savoy monarchy, he supported some prudent constitutional reforms. In 1821, he presented a draft constitution that King Charles Felix deemed too advanced; this marked the end of his active political career.
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Condition report
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