MARIE LOUISE (1791-1847). Empress of the French. Second wife of Napoleon I.
Autograph Letter Signed ('Marie Louise') in her characteristic small neat hand, evidently to a close servant or friend, 3½ pages 8vo, Amsterdam, 15 October 1811. Largely discussing details of her wardrobe, and giving explicit descriptions of many dresses.
Napoleon had married Marie Louise of Austria on 11 March 1810, the year that Holland became part of the French Empire, having divorced Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1809. The present letter was written during a visit to Amsterdam, which was not altogether to the liking of the new bride, who complains of the climate and the bad roads and expresses her hope of being back in France before Toussaint (1 November).
The letter begins with sympathy for the ill-health of Monsieur de Lucay (probably her correspondent's husband) and quickly moves to discussing her wardrobe. The Empress is particularly concerned that her husband will take badly any request for a supplement for her toillette, and she hopes to broach the subject when appropriate:
£1250 [No: 20049]
Autograph Letter Signed ('Marie Louise') in her characteristic small neat hand, evidently to a close servant or friend, 3½ pages 8vo, Amsterdam, 15 October 1811. Largely discussing details of her wardrobe, and giving explicit descriptions of many dresses.
Napoleon had married Marie Louise of Austria on 11 March 1810, the year that Holland became part of the French Empire, having divorced Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1809. The present letter was written during a visit to Amsterdam, which was not altogether to the liking of the new bride, who complains of the climate and the bad roads and expresses her hope of being back in France before Toussaint (1 November).
The letter begins with sympathy for the ill-health of Monsieur de Lucay (probably her correspondent's husband) and quickly moves to discussing her wardrobe. The Empress is particularly concerned that her husband will take badly any request for a supplement for her toillette, and she hopes to broach the subject when appropriate:
'j'attendrai un jour ou je le trouverai bien disposé pour lui en parler'She is sending the little pearls to be forwarded to Nohant, but is keeping the chains. She comments on the blue dress (charming) but is less pleased with various other pieces, enclosing samples (no longer present) to be made up on her return. Her health is good despite the Dutch climate, and she has made various excursions. The Emperorr has gone on a forty-eight hour tour of the coastal region, but the roads are too bad for her to accompany him.
£1250 [No: 20049]
The illustration is of the first page only.