SCHUMANN, Robert (1810-1856). Autograph letter signed ('R. Schumann') to Herr von Doppler, c/o Diabelli & Co., n.p., 24 January 1839, one page, 4to, integral address panel, remnant of red sealing wafer (small seal tear, two other short marginal tears). Provenance: acquired 1953, Walter Benjamin Autographs, New York.

SCHUMANN, Robert (1810-1856). Autograph letter signed ('R. Schumann') to Herr von Doppler, c/o Diabelli & Co., n.p., 24 January 1839, one page, 4to, integral address panel, remnant of red sealing wafer (small seal tear, two other short marginal tears). Provenance: acquired 1953, Walter Benjamin Autographs, New York.

A METRONOME, MUSIC PAPER -- AND A PORTRAIT OF CLARA WIECK. 'Can you not tell me where one can buy good metronomes (small) and music paper? Do you perhaps have any yourself? If so, please send me one, and enough paper, and kindly set aside a portrait of Clara Wieck at my usual price' ('dazu gefälligst ein Portrait von Clara Wieck gegen meinen gewohnlichen Preis noch beilegen zu wollen'), concluding with thanks for a sonata, which is 'very Schubertian' ('Für die übersendete Sonate, die sehr Schubertisch, meinen besten Dank')

Schumann had fallen in love with Clara Wieck, the daughter of his teacher Friedrich Wieck, in December 1835, but her father's opposition delayed their marriage for nearly five years, until September 1840.