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Handwritten letter from the Countess of Barral (1855)

Handwritten letter from the Countess of Barral (1855)

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Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Digital Warranty ©

This item is no longer available. However, we may be able to put you in touch with its owner — who knows, they might accept your offer? — or, alternatively, suggest other items of similar interest, with no obligation. Contact us via WhatsApp: +55 31 98221-5758 or email: contato@glorias.com.br

In 1855, the Countess of Barral solidified her ties with the imperial family, particularly with D. Francisca, the sister of Dom Pedro II.

  • Handwritten letter from the Countess of Barral addressed to an unknown recipient.
  • One leaf, one handwritten page.
  • In Portuguese.
  • 13.2 cm x 20.2 cm.
  • Bahia, August 18, 1855.
  • In good condition.
  • Unique piece.

Transcription

Your Excellency

Today I have the honor of greeting
Your Excellency and asking for the continuation of a
favor that your predecessor did for me every
month, which is to forward my letters to
Our Princess and Lady D. Francisca, and
also some to my friends. I take
this opportunity to offer Your Excellency our small
services in this province, and the distinguished
compliments of my husband.

I am Your Excellency's

Countess of Barral
Bahia, August 18, 1855

The relationship of the Countess of Barral (1816–1891) with the Brazilian royal family was remarkable: she was the governess of Dom Pedro II's children and a close friend of Princess Isabel, whom she significantly influenced in her personal life and education. Furthermore, she established a relationship of trust with Dom Pedro II, which led to rumors at the time about a possible more intimate connection between the two, although this was never proven.

The Countess brought modern and European ideas about behavior and education to the Brazilian court, contributing to the intellectual and moral formation of the imperial family members. Although she was not directly involved in politics, her closeness to Princess Isabel suggests that she participated in discussions about abolitionism and social issues, becoming an important influence on the progressive changes that occurred in imperial Brazil. In the last years of her life, the Countess of Barral retired to France, where she lived until her death in 1891 (the same year as Dom Pedro II's death).

Although the recipient of this letter remains unknown, the mention of D. Francisca, sister of Dom Pedro II, testifies to the close ties between the author and the imperial family. Francisca Carolina moved to France after her marriage to the Prince of Joinville, but maintained close relations with Brazil. The Countess of Barral, with her strong connection to the court and her European education, likely acted as a communication channel to facilitate the exchange of information between Francisca and her family in Brazil. Letters from the Countess of Barral are rare and coveted, making this document a precious testimony to the history of imperial Brazil.

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