Alpine flowers for the Kaiser

Elisabeth ("Sisi"), Empress of Austria (1837-1898). Autograph letter signed.

€ 14,500.00

Kind words written from Gastein, where she was spending her summer holidays, to the just-departed German Emperor Wilhelm I, whom Franz Joseph met in Gastein, Salzburg or Ischl almost every year since 1871, in spite of the fact the neither ruler felt very kindly toward the other (cf. Vocelka, Franz Joseph I [2015], p. 244): "Would your Majesty permit me to send you these flowers from our Alps, in remembrance of the happy hours which I had the enjoyment of spending here with you. I remain in fond love, your Majesty's much devoted Elisabeth".

Archduke Johann had the Villa Meran built for the frequent summer sojourns he spent there with his wife Anna Plochl; Elisabeth used the Villa, which boasted its own hot springs, from 1886 onwards.