Duchess consort and regent of Modena (1639-1687). Autograph letter signed. Brussels. 8vo. ½ p. on bifolium. With autograph address and traces of papered seal.
$ 904 / 850 €
(87222/BN57673)
Christmas wishes to the canon Bernardo Zenzani in Modena: "Con qualche ragione ne' Augurate felici le sante presnti solennità desiderando noi sempre à Voi, e alla casa vostra ogni bene: I il signore velo conceda abondantemente". - Laura Martinozzi was one of the seven nieces of Cardinal Mazarin, the so-called Mazarinettes, who grew up at the French court together with the later King Louis XIV. As a member of the Catholic clergy, Mazarin could not have children of his own and therefore used his nieces for dynastic politics.
In 1655, Mazarin married Laura Martinozzi to Alfonso IV d'Este, heir to the throne of Modena and Reggio. Alfonso ruled Modena from 1658 until his untimely death in 1662. Laura Martinozzi became regent for her son Francesco II d'Este (1660-94). In 1674, when Laura was accompanying her daughter Maria d'Este in London following her marriage to King James II, the regency was unilaterally ended by Francesco II. Laura Martinozzi decided to remain in exile until the end of her life, spending most of her time in Rome. - With minor tears and traces of worming. Very slight foxing..