Queen of France, wife of King Henry II of France (1519-1589). Autograph letter signed „Catherine“. No place. No date. Folio. 1 page.
18.000 €
(48562)
At the estate of Baray, to Monsieur de Lansac. Catherine de’ Medici renounces fault regarding any arms that had been taken up in the kingdom causing its ruin. Letter to Monsieur de Lansac, renouncing fault regarding any arms that had been taken up in the kingdom causing its ruin. In part (translated): “I am sending to my cousin, the Cardinal of Lorraine, the letter which you see and ask you to present it to him; and for your part, if you have spoken about the matter in question, respond to it after you have seen it and pass judgment on it according to the truth and the faith I have in the affection that you have in my reputation, which I believe would be very affected if one would think me so bad as to have been the cause that arms had been taken up in the kingdom, for I have too many obligations in all ways to be the cause of its ruin and of that of my children.
And you know too well the intention and desire I have always had to see all matters conducted to the honor of God and the obedience to the King, my son, and without repugnance if I had been believed and obeyed. But God, for our sins, has wanted what we see; I beseech Him to appease his ire with us and give us a good peace, of which we are in great need, and we have His grace to perform many a good office which could serve the need that we have and that which you desire where you are.” In fine condition, with a small strip clipped out of the left edge. Catherine’s cousin was most likely Charles de Lorraine, who became the 2nd Cardinal of Lorraine when his Uncle Jean died in 1550. He was one of the foremost members of the powerful Catholic House of Guise and perhaps the most influential Frenchman during the mid-sixteenth century. He has been characterized as intelligent, avaricious, and cautious. The Cardinal was also very important politically, but after 1560, he became less influential in state affairs though he continued to exert religious influence over Catherine. Catherine, queen consort of Henry II, was regent of France from 1560 to 1574, and was herself one of the most influential personalities of the Catholic-Huguenot wars..