작품 상세

ALEXANDER I: (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25. L.S., Alexander, (with a flourishing paraph; slightly faded although legible), one page, large 4to, Tsarskoye Selo, 14/26th July 1819, to Thomas Clarkson. The Tsar acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter of sympathy 'occasioned by the melancholy event, which so unexpectedly stroked my family, in depriving me of a much beloved Sister' and further remarks 'These feelings, friendly and truly sincere, as I consider them, I do agree as willingly, as your Christian and real consolations, to the almighty source to which I have been myself accustomed to look up in every painful circumstance of my life'. With blank integral leaf. A brief note in an unidentified hand at the base of the letter states 'The English was written by the Emperor's mother'. A letter of interesting association. VG Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) English Abolitionist, a leading campaigner against the slave trade in the British Empire. In 1818 Clarkson had met with Tsar Alexander in France in order to secure his influence with the allied sovereigns at the approaching European congress in favour of the suppression of the slave trade throughout their dominions. Catherine Pavlovna (1788-1819) Grand Duchess of Russia, daughter of Tsar Paul I and a younger sister of Tsar Alexander I. The Grand Duchess had tragically died on 9th January 1819 at the young age of 30. Catherine and Alexander were extremely close and it is said that the Tsar's favourite sister was one of the few people he loved unconditionally. Maria Feodorovna (1759-1828) Duchess Sophie Dorothea of Wurttemberg. Empress Consort of Russia as the second wife of Tsar Paul I. Mother of Tsar Alexander I.