Lot 179
Marie Antoinette (1751-1793) Daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and Maria Theresa, empress of Austria; consort of Louis XVI of France; she was guillotined on October 16, 1793, by order of the Revolutionary tribunal. Her extravagant lifestyle made her extremely unpopular with the French people and she became the symbol of everything that was wrong with the monarchy.
Autograph letter signed "Marie Antoinette" on laid, watermarked paper, one-half page, 4½ x 6¾ in., n.p., August 1, n.y. To her brother-in-law, King Ferdinand IV of Naples, husband of her sister, Maria Carolina of Austria. With the original envelope in Marie Antoinette's hand: "To my Brother, Cousin, and Brother-in-law, the King of Naples," bearing her red seal. Both letter and envelope are in fine condition.
"I am very grateful, my dear brother, for the details you have sent me about the terrible accident which still makes me shudder; I hope it will lead my sister to take all the precautions necessary for her. Accept all my thanks and the assurance of the very sincere friendship with which I am, my dear brother, your very affectionate sister."
Personal letters by Marie Antoinette are extremely rare. ABPC lists the sale of only three autograph letters signed by her since 1982.
In 1768, Maria Carolina, sister of Marie Antoinette, married Ferdinand IV, who ruled as King of Naples (1759-1806) and then as King of the Two Sicilies (1816-25). He was a weak and ineffectual ruler and was greatly influenced by Maria Carolina, who became a member of the council of state (according to her marriage contract) upon the birth of a male heir (1777). Maria and Ferdinand did not care for each other, which did not prevent them from carrying out their royal duty and producing 18 children, seven of whom lived to adulthood. Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000
|
| |
| Unsold |
