Handwritten letter from Machado de Assis (1903)
Handwritten letter from Machado de Assis (1903)
Free shipping
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Digital Warranty ©
Couldn't load pickup availability
> This item is no longer in the catalog, see available documents here <
At the beginning of 1903, Machado de Assis congratulated Mário de Alencar, recently promoted to the Ministry of Justice.
- Handwritten letter from Machado de Assis to Mário de Alencar.
- A leaf.
- 14.5 cm x 21.5 cm.
- In Portuguese.
- No location information, January 3, 1903.
- Average state of conservation.
- Unique piece.
My dear Mario,
This is what it means to start a new year off right. Receive a big hug from us for your promotion, and if you get enough (I think there will be some left over), share it with the whole family. Old friend.
Axe of Assisi
3-1-1903
Machado de Assis (1839-1908), probably the most renowned Brazilian writer inside and outside Brazil, even though he was not always considered as such, covered all literary genres and his books became classics of Portuguese literature.
He wrote this letter in 1903, in the last period of his life, before publishing his last works and falling into a deep depression, a consequence of the death of his wife. The recipient of this friendly text is Mário de Alencar (1872-1925), writer and son of José de Alencar (1829-1877), a great friend of Machado . Mário de Alencar, a civil servant, had just been promoted to advisor to the Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, José Joaquim Seabra.
Machado de Assis considered José de Alencar his father of consideration. During the founding of the ABL, he chose him as his patron and helped him sponsor the publication of the book Iracema. The story repeated itself with Mário de Alencar and some experts on the works of Machado de Assis consider that the writer was a kind of surrogate father (and even biological, but there is no proof) for Mário de Alencar, 33 years younger, who was orphaned by his famous father when he was only five years old .
The few letters by Machado de Assis that have survived to this day were, for the most part, written when he was a civil servant in the State Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce and Public Works, a position he assumed the year after the publication of his first novel, and which guaranteed his livelihood until the end of his life. Letters with more personal content, such as this one, are even rarer and sought after by collectors. Most of them are found in public institutions, such as the Brazilian Academy of Letters.

Frequently asked questions about the GLÒRIAS COLLECTION
Is there a physical store where I can see the items in person?
No. Glórias operates exclusively online because we serve collectors throughout Brazil and also abroad. If you wish to examine an item before purchase, we will be happy to send high-resolution photographs or additional information. Our team is located in Belo Horizonte (MG).
Do the items sold come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes. All items available at Glórias have been carefully selected, studied, and certified before being offered for sale. Each purchase comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee, which we send via email. It is signed and stamped by Mathias Meyer, a French autograph expert since 2010 and a member of the ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers).
Who selects and certifies the items sold?
All items are selected and certified by Mathias Meyer, a French specialist in autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents since 2010. Throughout his career, he has studied thousands of pieces related to Brazilian history, sports, science, literature, and arts, and is now a member of ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) and founder of Glórias.
How do I make a purchase?
You can purchase directly from the Glórias website, 24 hours a day, quickly and securely. If you prefer personalized service or have questions before purchasing, you can also contact us by email at contato@glorias.com.br or by WhatsApp at +55 (31) 98221-5758.
What are the payment methods?
We accept payment via Pix or bank transfer, both with a 3% discount for upfront payment, as well as credit card in up to 3 interest-free installments, offering convenience and security for customers across Brazil.
Can I pay for my purchase in installments?
Yes. You can pay in full via Pix or bank transfer with a 3% discount, or pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card, with immediate shipping after payment confirmation. It is also possible to pay in up to 10 installments via Pix; in this case, shipping will be carried out after the full payment of the purchase.
Can I ask for a discount?
We offer a 3% discount for payments made in full (via Pix or bank transfer) or the option to pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card. Furthermore, the prices of our pieces are carefully determined based on international market supply and demand, the specific characteristics of each item, and sales results of similar pieces. For this reason, we typically do not grant additional discounts. However, if you wish to purchase multiple pieces or make an exceptionally high-value purchase, we would be pleased to consider a special commercial arrangement.
How is delivery made? What will I receive?
Delivery time varies approximately from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's location. In Brazil, we mainly use SEDEX, and for international shipments, FedEx. The document is placed in an elegant laid paper folder and sent in completely discreet packaging. The digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee is sent by email, in PDF format, for security reasons. Shipping is free throughout Brazil. For international shipments, the shipping cost is a fixed R$ 500.00.
Can I return my purchase?
Yes. For online purchases, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees the right of withdrawal within 7 days of receiving the item. If you are not satisfied, simply contact us and we will respond promptly to find the best solution, which may include a full refund after the return and verification of the item.
What warranties come with the items?
All items sold by Glórias have a permanent guarantee against eventual certification errors, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this event, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the paper or ink.
Can I resell this piece in the future?
Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We will be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector, either through a direct sale or through a specialized auction organized by Glórias.
How can I add value to my collection?
If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.
How should I store my document or autograph?
To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.
Why aren't these pieces in museums?
Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.
Can I offer you a part to buy?
With pleasure. The first step is to conduct a preliminary assessment, which will determine the level of authenticity, market value, and the best strategy for your piece. Depending on the outcome, there are several possibilities, such as direct sale, consignment, or a specialized auction.
Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?
Every document has a unique story. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited from families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were poorly identified or undervalued, or came from antique dealers, collectors, or companies. Behind every rare document there is a singular trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history.
Assine nossa newsletter
Achamos tesouros todo mês. Seja o primeiro a saber.