Lot #546

Josephine Bonaparte Autograph Letter Signed on Decorating the Château de Malmaison

Description

Josephine furnishes the Château de Malmaison: "The expenses which I incurred in setting up house and in making my wish a liveable reality have been heavy despite my efforts"

Empress of France, born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie (1763-1814), who married Napoleon in 1796 and was divorced in 1810, unable to produce an heir. ALS in French, signed “Josephine,” one page both sides, 5.75 x 7.5, November 6, [no year, but likely circa 1810]. Handwritten letter written from her estate near Paris, the Château de Malmaison, where she lived following her divorce from Napoleon Bonaparte. She lavishly decorated and furnished the residence at great expense, which is the subject of the present letter. In part (translated): "I am extremely grateful, Madam, for the new proof of friendship which you have shown me. The topics of my grief, which your daughter-in-law was charged to tell you of, are on the verge of being forgotten; the expenses which I incurred in setting up house and in making my wish a liveable reality have been heavy despite my efforts. Rumors of my debts have been greatly exaggerated, which afflicts me terribly, but nothing now stands in the way of my peace of mind as I will be solvent by the beginning of next year if not sooner.

I am pleased to report the good health of the King of Rome, and the ease with which he got his first teeth leads me to believe that his constitution is sound, and I have every reason to believe that Nature will be as clement with him as she has been to the Emperor...The trip to Fontainebleau which, I've been told, will come to pass, increases the distance which separates you from me, so please know how deeply I regret not seeing you." In fine condition. A highly desirable, boldly penned handwritten letter by the former Empress of the French.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #680 - Ended December 06, 2023

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