May 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, May 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
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 circa early 1915 from the Victoria Hotel in Amsterdam, where she lived in WWI-neutral Holland after fleeing Berlin at the start of the war. Written in French, letter translates, ''My dear Piet / So read a bit what these journalist pigs dare to write. I asked my lawyer if the individual was worth the effort of a slap. He told me no. So I leave him be. I'm not dancing at the party on January 15. The Opera management won't let me. I don't know if [her benefactor Will] van der Schalk wants to go. If not, would you be so kind as to drive me there? If you can't, then I won't go either. / Think about my hat and the little piece of fur that I asked you for. There's no rush, but I would like to have it all the same. / You are not very kind; but I have never asked a man to come see me. So I chase you away, too. / My best wishes and good friendship, Marquerite''. Four page letter on bifolium, card-style stationery measures 5.5'' x 8.5'' folded. Minute foxing and creasing, overall very good condition.
Mata Hari Autograph Letter Signed Regarding Critiques of Her Dancing -- ''...read a bit what these journalist pigs dare to write...''
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