Fabled queen of Louis XVI of France (1755–1793) whose public execution, along with that of her husband, was the most grisly, visible, and powerful symbol of the political aims of the French Revolution. Manuscript DS, in French, signed “payez, Marie Antoinette,” one page, 9.5 x 14.25, December 31, 1783. Document addressed to the Administrator of the Royal Treasury responsible for the expenditure of the household, M.Marc Antoine Francis de la Tour, Treasurer General at the House of Finances, and demands that he pays her nine Grand Foot Valets, who have served during the last quarter of October, November and December, the sum of 270 Livres, being 30 Livres each, in consideration of their services. The document concludes, “this letter to you should suffice as a note for the sum of 270 Livres to be allowed and allocated as an expense against our account by our dear and beloved treasurer of the King, our honoured Lord and Husband in Paris.” The document also bears Marie’s secretarial proxy signature. Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning and soiling, primarily to the edges, and slight mounting remnants to reverse, otherwise fine condition.
After suffering a miscarriage in early November 1783, the queen occupied herself with the creation of the Hameau de la Reine, a model hamlet in the garden of the Petit Trianon with a mill and 12 cottages. The exaggerated cost of the addition, compounded by an alleged affair with the visiting Swedish Count Axel von Fersen, contributed to the public’s growing animosity that would lead to her demise a decade later. A wonderful document from the captivating French queen. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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