Description:

CATHERINE DE' MEDICI
(1547-1589) Queen of France and mother of three French kings, a dominant figure in 16th century European politics. Fine content and association manuscript L.S. "Catherine", 1p. legal folio, Bayonne, June 21, 1565. Five years after her ascension to the throne upon the death of her husband Francis, she writes to Raymond de Beccarie de Pavie Fourquevaux (1508-1574), governor of Narbonne and French Ambassador to Spain, in part: "...You can imagine the pleasure and contentment, and we hope from this meeting will emerge the establishment of mutual friends for the present and in perpetuity between our two kingdoms and subjects...". She also thanks the Ambassador for news of the Turkish army, "...whose design, up to now, was not entirely known...", and for news of the Pope and the Duke of Florence's campaign against Ferrara. At the time of this letter and the height of her power, Catherine had traveled to Bayonne to meet her daughter Elisabeth of Spain, wife of Philip II of Spain. Philip II had declined to meet with Catherine, sending the Don Fernando Alvarez do Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba (1507-1582) in his stead. The husband of Elisabeth of France, King Henry II's daughter, Alba was a staunch Catholic military leader who later carried out massacres in the then-Protestant Netherlands, ridding the country of her citizens rather than leave her to be ruled by heretics. This meeting led to Protestant rumors that Catherine and Philip II were planning a Spanish invasion of England to destroy the Protestants. Rather than waiting to be attacked, the Huguenots attempted to capture Charles XI in Spain. Although the attempt failed, it got the attention of Catherine, who was shocked by the fact that her son was the intended target. In response, the Catholics took up arms, and yet another war began. Light spotting in areas but overall very good condition, with a fine, bold signature. Handsomely double-matted in beige with a portrait engraving, and set into a gilt frame. A beautiful item for display.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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