During her childhood, Princess Isabel was preoccupied with her dolls.
Handwritten letter from Princess Isabel to Chica (Dona Francisca Carolina de Verna Magalhães).
One page.
In Portuguese.
14 cm x 21 cm.
Brazil, March 27, between 1852 and 1856.
It shows paper loss on the right side, with the entire area protected by restoration paper.
Unique piece.
My dear Chica.
I miss you and Totona very much. I hope you had a better day. Chica, the doll you sent me yesterday isn't Dona Luizinha's son. Please send it because his mother misses him very much.
Your best friend. Isabel Christina.
This letter was handwritten by Isabel, at a time when she signed her name more simply as "Isabel Christina." This informal form of signature suggests that she was still quite young, probably between 6 and 10 years old. In the message, she comments that the doll sent is not "Dona Luizinha's son," asking that the correct one be sent, as the "mother" (doll) misses her—a clear example of her childlike imagination and sensitivity. Isabel already demonstrates a good ability to write, indicating that her formal education had already begun, probably around the age of 5. Taking all these elements into account, it is estimated that the letter was written between 1852 and 1856.
Princess Isabel is a fundamental historical figure in the Brazilian collective imagination, especially for having signed the Golden Law (Lei Áurea) and for having represented the Empire in the absence of Dom Pedro II. The rarest and most coveted letters written by her are precisely those from her childhood. This one, in particular, stands out for its innocent tone and unusual theme: a doll. The signature as "Isabel Christina" is also extremely rare, which makes this piece even more unique.
