Christine de France

Autograph letter signed “Chrsinme” by Christine of France (1606-1663), Duchess of Savoy and regent, daughter of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici. Dated June 22, 1637, at the Vigna castle, the ducal residence of Turin. Written on a 17th-century laid paper. When held to the light, a clear watermark appears: three vertically arranged circles ending with a downward-facing cross. This motif belongs to the type commonly used in Italian papers (Piedmont, Lombardy, Liguria) between 1600 and 1650. The duchess issues military instructions to the Marquis della Villa, general of the cavalry. She informs him of the arrival of a squadron of cavalry and orders him to give it command and issue the orders to put it immediately at the service of His Royal Highness in the ongoing campaign. Text in Italian: “Most illustrious and dear. Here comes the cavalry squadron of His Serene Highness my most beloved lord, to whom you will grant command according to the orders, and give these instructions which will be addressed to His Serene Highness for the present campaign; and since it is for no other purpose, we pray the Lord to grant you approval. From the Vigna, 22 June 1637.” Signed Chrsinme (cursive abbreviation of Christine). On the back, addressee inscription: “All’Ill.mo et Car.mo Sig.re Il Marchese Villa Cavaliere dell’Ordine Generale della Cavalleria di S.A.R. – All’Armata.” A rare autograph military letter, reinforced by watermark paper typical of Piedmont in the 17th century, testifying to the military organization of the Duchy of Savoy on the eve of the Piedmontese Civil War. Military context: This letter is written on the eve of the Piedmontese civil war (1637-1642), which pitted Christine’s partisans (Madamists) against the princes of Savoy (Principists). A few months before the conflict broke out, the regent was already organizing the ducal forces and ensuring the distribution of troops. This document directly illustrates her role in directing operations and controlling the cavalry, a pivotal element of the ducal army. - Dimensions: 30 x 21 cm - Condition: See photos for more details. - Number of pages: 2 pages Christine of France (1606-1663), known as “Madame Royale,” daughter of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici, married in 1619 to Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy. Regent from 1637 to 1648, she maintained her son Charles Emmanuel II’s authority and strengthened French influence in Piedmont, personally directing military and diplomatic affairs. Carefully packed in a rigid, watertight carton.

Estimate:£251.15

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