Queen consort of Holland (1783–1837) and the stepdaughter of Napoleon. ALS in French, signed “Hortense,” one page both sides, 5.5 x 6.5, June 18, 1821. Letter to Napoleon. In part (translated): “At last after many years, I find an occasion which makes me hope that my letter will reach your Majesty and carry the expression of my feelings…you are always, Sire, the constant concern of those who are tenderly devoted to you. Although, misfortune has settled on all who were dedicated to you. I hope your Majesty received a box with a portrait of my mother…the sight of so tender and devoted a friend will, I hope, have given you pleasure. If she were still alive her sole regret would have been to have shared only your Majesty’s good fortune. All those who loved her share these feelings and hope that you will never doubt it. After all sorts of troubles, I now enjoy a great tranquility.” Double-cloth-matted and framed (so both sides may be viewed) with the original transmittal envelope, a portrait of Napoleon, and a contemporary oil portrait of Hortense by American painter Richard M. Gibney to an overall size of 37.5 x 17. In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds. Oversized. This is a very sweet, loving letter sent to her step dad, Napoleon, while he was in exile, and she had resettled in Austria. It reflects her difficulties over several years to learn news of her father or to communicate with him. And perhaps most interesting and relevant to those difficulties, this letter was in fact written shortly after Napoleon's death, the news of which had not yet reached her. RR Auction COA.
