November 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, November 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
Autograph letter signed by Mata Hari, arguably the most famous spy of the 20th century. Mata Hari writes to her lover, the young and then unknown artist Piet van der Hem (whose portrait of Mata Hari hangs in the Fries Museum), an unusual pairing for the femme fatale, known for her alliances with wealthy and aristocratic men. Though undated, letter is likely from late 1914, during World War I but before Mata Hari was recruited by the French to spy on Germany. She writes from the Victoria Hotel in Amsterdam, where she lived in WWI-neutral Holland after fleeing Berlin at the start of the war. Written in Dutch, letter translates,
''Dear Piet / I really thought that you preferred making modern 'studies', but if you don't mind doing it, than it is ok. I hope your work is good. I know you are very busy...One work goes better than the other. So it is with me. So it will be with you. I had almost regretted that I asked you to follow this road, because one must have a 'talent' for what it is. And not try to lead it to where the feeling is not...I am a very ambitious woman and when I feel an affinity for someone than I have the same ambitious feelings as strongly for him. I have so many interesting modern things for you that you have to say to me, Marquerite it pleases me or not. I will come tonight a bit later because I am expecting a visitor around 9 o'clock. / Much love / your Marquerite''.
Letter runs two pages on Victoria Hotel stationery measuring 8.5'' x 11''. Some foxing, small area of paper loss to upper left, not affecting writing, and folds. Overall in very good condition. Letter come from the estate of van der Hem's lawyer, to whom it was given as payment for legal services.
Mata Hari Autograph Letter Signed to Her Lover, Piet van der Hem -- ''...I am a very ambitious woman and when I feel an affinity for someone than I have the same ambitious feelings...for him...''
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