150 - Marguerite Louise d'Orléans, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, 1645–1721.

Marguerite Louise d'Orléans, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, 1645–1721. Autograph letter, Saint-Mandé, April 17 [1695], 4 pp., in-8. A lovely, lively letter containing social and court news, addressed to an (unidentified) friend. Marguerite-Louise is delighted to have learned of her correspondent’s arrival and hopes for her return soon: ““You gave me immense pleasure by letting me know of your arrival.”” She speaks affectionately of Mme de Gramont, Mme de Remiremont, and Mme de Lillebonne, then announces the Prince d’Épinoy’s upcoming departure: “He will go to visit your sister and you; I’ve told him everything I could to help mend your relationship with him; I hope it will have the desired effect.” The letter then provides a veritable chronicle of the news and “gossip” of the moment: the alleged bankruptcy of the farmer-general Arnault, who is said to have gone into hiding in Montmartre before fleeing to England under the protection of the Prince of Orange: “Many people have lost money in this affair, including quite a few ladies; there are some very colorful stories about it, including one about a devout follower of Père de Valois who is said to have left the suburb.” The letter concludes with a particularly warm expression of affection: “Believe me when I say that your absence seems more regrettable to me with each passing day; no one speaks of you as much as Madame de Bracciano and I.” The latter is Anne-Marie de La Trémoille, Duchess of Bracciano, the future and famous Princess of the Ursins, who was then staying in Paris and held a prominent place in high society there. A familiar and willingly indiscreet letter, offering a delightful portrait of the gossip, financial matters, and romantic intrigues circulating in the aristocratic circle of Marguerite-Louise d’Orléans, who had been living in France since 1675 following the resounding failure of her marriage to Cosimo III, and who was then leading an independent life, divided between her religious residences and Parisian aristocratic society. Includes the original catalog entry from the Charavay auction house (with a complete transcription).