Registration

• Admission for this excursion is $500. Members receive exclusive discounts on our programs and courses. Not a member? Learn more.

• Please check your spam folder for your email confirmation. If you have questions, please call (215) 732-1600 or email rsvp@rosenbach.org.

• This tour will be held at Andalusia Historic House, Garden, & Arboretum.

This program is now sold out. To join the waitlist, please email rsvp@rosenbach.org.

Description

Nicholas Biddle and his wife Jane were lovers of French art, history, and literature, and they acquired many classic works of the French Enlightenment for their library, which survives at the Andalusia estate to this day. Join Andalusia, the Rosenbach, and the Alliance Française de Philadelphie for a special opportunity to spend an afternoon in the library of one of early America’s most important intellects, engaging with his collection of 18th-century books.  

Make yourself comfortable in Andalusia’s beautiful library to page through volumes that will transport you to 18th-century France. Andalusia Executive Director John Vick will offer commentary on Nicholas and Jane Biddle’s interest in French politics and aesthetics, with a focus on other artworks on display in the historic house.  Dr. Alexander Lawrence Ames, Director of Outreach & Engagement at the Rosenbach, will offer an introduction to the Enlightenment and explain how Biddle’s copies of the works of Voltaire, Buffon, and Rousseau fit into the literature of the period, with a special focus on Biddle’s remarkable set of the complete works of Voltaire. Then, Philadelphia-based French teacher Eric Simonis will recite some of Voltaire’s poetry and prose in the original French. Finally, the group will retire to Andalusia’s portico overlooking the Delaware River (weather permitting) for an elegant reception featuring a selection of excellent French wines offered from the private cellars of Dr. Stephen Somkuti and Mr. Peter Nalle. Your ticket purchase provides meaningful support for the work of both Andalusia and the Rosenbach. You will not want to miss this voyage through French—and Philadelphian—history, literature, and culture! 

Festive country house attire with a French flair is encouraged!   

Learn more about Eric Simonis at https://ouifrenchphila.com/. Learn more about Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, & Arboretum at https://www.andalusiapa.org/. Learn more about the Alliance Française de Philadelphie at https://www.afphila.com/.  

Sponsors

Cosponsored by the Rosenbach Museum & Library, Andalusia Historic House, Garden & Arboretum; and the Alliance Française de Philadelphie. Additional support provided by Lenni Steiner and Perry Lerner, Amy and R. Putnam Coes, III, Peter and Eleanor Nalle, and Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Somkuti. Instructor