MUSIC - MERCY-ARGENTEAU Marie Clotilde Elisabeth de Riquet (1837 - 1890) - Autograph letter signed

Very early on she developed a considerable aptitude for the piano. In 1860, she married the Count of Mercy-Argenteau. In 1866, she met Napoleon III and became his friend. After the defeat at Sedan, she went to visit the emperor, who was a prisoner of the Prussians, and played the piano to console him. She then became interested in Russian music and encouraged Russian composers to give concerts in France.
Autograph letter signed: “…Je vous en prie, sauvez mon pari, et débarrassez-moi de mes six places....". Signed “comtesse de Mercy-Argenteau”.