259 - NOAILLES (Anna, Princess Brancovan, Countess Mathieu de), 1876–1933.

NOAILLES (Anna, Princess Brancovan, Countess Mathieu de), 1876–1933. A collection of 10 letters addressed to Countess Greffulhe. An interesting correspondence between two of the most dazzling female figures in Belle Époque Paris: the first for her poetic work and literary spirit, the second for her role as a salon hostess and patron of the arts. Related by marriage through Hélène de Brancovan—Anna’s sister—to Alexandre de Caraman-Chimay, they moved in the same circles and socialized regularly, with Anna being a regular guest at the famous salon on Rue d’Astorg. 1/ Autograph letter signed “Anna,” undated “Thursday” (postmark dated 1/25/1925), 1 p., in-12: “Thank you, my dear and lovely friend; you have understood my sorrow. Your letter comforts me, and I am sending you this unretouched snapshot, which you liked. When eyes are beautiful, they are the shadow of yours! I admire you and send you my warmest regards.” 2/ Autograph letter ""Anna"", undated (postmark June 16, 1913), 1 p., in-12: ""Dear Elisabeth, Would you like to be enchanting—that is, just as you usually are—and, moreover, give me the immense pleasure of coming to dinner in your dressing gown with Liane(?), Rostand, and Larreta? With tender regards."" 3/ L.A.S. “Anna,” undated “Wednesday” (postmark dated April 22, 1914), 1 p., in-12: “Dear Elisabeth, I have just returned from Aix and thank you dearly for providing me with Martine’s assistance; Hélène finds her a more spirited narrator than Lamartine, even though there is great confusion regarding gender in their names [...]” 4/ Autograph letter, “Anna,” undated “Saturday” (postmark 1/27/1912), 1 p., in-8: ""Alas, sweet beauty, I cannot travel at the moment, and Mathieu cannot leave his astonishing business affairs on the Avenue de l’Opéra for even a moment! I would have loved so much to visit Bois-Doudran and see you there, shining like the morning star. On February 5, in my attic room, breathless ministers will await your arrival [...] (Raoul shoes are perfect)"" 5/ Autograph Letter "Anna," undated (postmark April 25, 1912), 1 p., in-12: “Thank you dearly for the goldcrest eggs and Théocrite cream. Mr. Fauqueux(?) is just right for the ‘rest and relaxation of young Parisian working women’ but quite inadequate for the day they might want to get a little exercise! I still believe that Jean-Louis Vaudoyer and Pierre Hepp would give you some very interesting advice. That’s their specialty.” 6/ Autograph letter, “Anna,” undated, “Thursday” (postmark February 13, 1913), 1 p., in-12: “My dear Elisabeth, I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better. Since your star is doubled by those incomparable eyes, I have no doubt that everything will be fine for you very soon, and I hope so with genuine affection. I have a cold, which means that tomorrow evening, Mademoiselle Joséphine—who is already distraught at not seeing me—will see nothing of me but an old, warmly lined zenana-style dressing gown. The doctor has forbidden me from going out. I’ll call to get the latest news."" 7/ L.A.S. “Anna,” undated “Saturday” (postmark 6/10/1917): “Thank you dearly, dear Elisabeth, for the gifts(?) from Theocritus; but I like it even better when I see the shepherdess! You were lovely the other day, and the gift of those eyes that shine(?) still moves me just as much [...]” 8/ L.A.S. “Anna,” undated (postmark 2/28/1914): “My dear Elisabeth, how annoying friends can be! Good old Gans(?) drove me crazy last night with his complaints(?) and regrets about having had the pleasure of seeing you at the Palais-féérie, when I told him I’d forgotten to ask you to let him pick me up at your place that evening, since he was having dinner at the house across the street. It’s true that my drunkard(?) Dinet(?) claimed to have asked you for permission for this late visit over the phone. I apologize and send you my love.” 9/ Autographed postcard signed “Anna,” dated “Wednesday” (postmark December 20, 1911), 1 p., in-12: “Dear Madam, I am deeply touched that, like Venus led by doves, you sent me these beautiful pheasants and this hare—which, it is true, are the friends of Diana, whom you also resemble. With tender admiration."" 10/ Autograph letter ""Anna," undated "Wednesday" (no postmark): "Dear Elisabeth, I’m in my dressing gown, utterly exhausted after proofreading for the *Revue de Paris* all evening. On top of that, my entire staff is sick, and I’m taking care of them! It’s unbelievable. What a pity, dear friend! Yours wholeheartedly."" Accompanied by their old cultural property export certificate from the Ministry of Culture. Enclosed is a C.P.A.S. “Anna” depicting a statue of Charlemagne in Frankfurt, addressed to Jean Cocteau: “This good-natured statue of Charlemagne (Hugo wrote it better) brings a certain cordiality to the outings(?) of the two peoples on this dilapidated bridge. I write to you all the time; when you don’t receive anything, it’s