Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #117
Marie Antoinette Document Signed

The Queen of France approves a 200-pound salary for her floor shiner

This lot has closed

Estimate: $8000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

The Queen of France approves a 200-pound salary for her floor shiner

Manuscript DS in French, signed "Payez, Marie Antoinette," one page, 9.5 x 14.5, July 1, 1786. A document concerning payment for one of her “apartment floor shiners,” in part (translated): “From our House and Treasury Mr. Marc-Antoine Francois Marie Randon de La Tour, we want and ask you that from this denier which is funded by state order for upkeep and food for several of our officers for the current year, you pay cash to Jean Baptiste Henry [floor] shiner of our apartment the amount of two hundred pounds that we have granted him for this salary as much for him as for the one he has employed to scrub and clean the parquet of our apartment during a quarter of April, last May, and June and you reporting the present with receipt to be sufficient. The amount of two hundred pounds will be passed and allotted as an expense from your accounts by our dear and beloved general, accountant to the King our very honored Lord and spouse in Paris to the both of whom we ask and nonetheless also ask to do as such without difficulties." Signed boldly at the conclusion by the queen of France. Archivally mounted, matted, and framed with a caption and artistic portrait to an overall size of 23 x 21.75. In fine condition. A very interesting example of the extravagance which contributed to the queen's unpopular image and eventual downfall.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #639 - Ended July 13, 2022





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $200.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.