April 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, April 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
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.
Dated ''Sunday night'', she writes in French regarding a costume for her dancing, ''...I think that the 18th century doesn't enchant you - say it to me frankly. I understand it very well. And if you don't want to continue this drawing be kind enough and send the Lancret one to Mrs. Koppel so that she can finish the costume. I have enough pretty modern dresses that will inspire you more. / You will come one day to see me and we will choose the wardrobe that you like. Do you want to do this? Believe in my feelings...Mata Hari''. Letter runs two pages on stationery measuring 8.5'' x 11''. Partial separation along fold and some light foxing, overall in very good condition. Letter comes from the estate of van der Hem's lawyer, to whom it was given as payment for legal services.
Mata Hari Autograph Letter Signed -- Scarce as Signed With Her Stage Name ''Mata Hari''
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