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Maria Ludovika of Austria-Este

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Maria Ludovika of Austria-Este

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Auction Date:2015 Feb 11 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Rare ALS in French, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.75, April 7, 1811. Letter to Empress Marie Louise, her step-daughter and the wife of her enemy, Napoleon Bonaparte. In part (translated): “You receive at the same time two of my letters, Prince Clary and Mr. Nicolai being carriers…thank God that according to the latest news you are as good as possible, it is a great relief to my heart…What a joy that the little boy is doing well…it appears to me to see you embrace that little innocent baby and find yourself to be a surprised mother; oh why can not I copy you….Quietly enjoy your happiness by increasing that of the Bridegroom which you devoted your life and never forget to make eternal thanksgiving to the Author of all, who holds in his hand our spiritual fate and temporal.” In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds and show-through from writing to opposing sides.

Maria developed a deep resentment toward Napoleon during her formative years, after his impending capture of northern Italy in 1796 had forced her family to flee for Austria. Austria and France were constantly at war throughout this period, and when she married Emperor Francis in 1808 the French army was advancing toward Vienna during the War of the Fifth Coalition. Napoleon won the war soon after, and it was suggested that he marry Franz II’s daughter, Marie Louise, in order to secure cordial relations between France and Austria. The French Empire was also without an heir, and Napoleon wanted to marry into one of Europe’s royal families to produce a true royal heir to his throne. Despite Maria Ludovika’s objections, Napoleon and Marie Louise were married in 1810 and the newly crowned empress gave birth to an heir on March 20, 1811, just a few weeks before this letter. The content is absolutely remarkable, not only offering congratulations on the birth of Napoleon II, but instructing Marie Louise to dedicate herself to the happiness of her husband—Maria Ludovika’s own one-time nemesis, Napoleon Bonaparte.