ANDREI VLADIMIROVICH

(Grand Duke, 1879-1956, Russian Major-General, Grandson of Tsar Alexander II, Cousin of Nicholas II) Autograph Letter Signed to his nephew the artist Slava Astafiev (d.1976),

in Russian with translation, saying that “Yesterday evening, Baron Botis brought your kind presentsfrom London. The [address] stamp has given me enormous pleasure, I have long dreamed of having one, but they do not make them here”, it yields “permanent writing paper ... Aunt Mala”, Matilda Kschessinska, 1872-1971, the famous Prima Ballerina Assoluta, and mistress of Nicholas II before his marriage, “is writing to you herself, but I can say that the little table brought tears to her eyes. The view of Strelna has been caught with amazing fidelity ... we are only afraid of damaging it”, and sending family regards, 1 side folio, stamped 10 Villa Molitor, Rue Molitor, Paris 16, 31st January 1938  together with an Autograph Postcard Signed by Baron BOTIS  to the artist Slava Astafiev (d. 1976), thanking him “most warmly for the charming box. We all admire your work at the Princess’ home”, Slava’s father’s sister the ballerina Matilda Kschessinska, (1872-1971, wife of Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich, 1879-1956), “I received the little table, the [address] stamp and the other things and am passing them on ... Kiss your wife’s hand for me. Judging by our telephone conversation she must be charming”, 2 sides card, Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London, W.1., no date, c. January 1938 When Nicholas got married he asked Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich, 1869-1918, later Slava’s godfather, to look after Matilda. Sergei built her a much-loved dacha on the coast at Strelna.

• GBP 175.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: SD18933

• bookseller: Sophie Dupré (GREAT BRITAIN)