DIEULAFOY, Jean.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Autograph letter signed concerning the proofs of her novel Frère Pélage. A short letter discussing the upcoming publication of an unnamed novel in the Nouvelle Revue. The novel in question is Frère Pélage, published in December 1893. It concerns a woman who assumes a male identity to avoid marriage and pursue a spiritual life in a monastery. Dieulafoy herself at times wore male attire to enable her professional life. Jane Dieulafoy (1851-1916) worked as archaeologist and an author. She first donned male clothing in 1870, when she dressed as a soldier to accompany her husband Marcel to the Franco-Prussian War. In the 1880s, the couple discovered an interest in archaeology and together excavated sections of the ancient Persian city of Susa; several artefacts that they uncovered now reside in the Louvre. They later travelled in Morocco and Spain. Whilst abroad, Dieulafoy recommenced dressing as a man to enable her to work unencumbered by restrictions on women's activities. She continued the practice upon her return to France, as it increased the time she had available for writing.

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