Abstract: The novella Le chevalier de Saint-Ismier was only published in 1912. Following a reflection on the contributions and errors regarding the derivation of Stendhal’s tale, this article studies its historical dimension and the political criticisms which emerge from it: the power of Richelieu, allusions to the German wars, and conflicts between France and Spain. Other threads are woven into the fabric of the novella, and history gives way to one of Stendhal’s most cherished scenes: the first meeting.
