In 1844, Francisca is thrilled about her sister Januária's marriage to Áquila, who is in love with her.
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Handwritten letter from Francisca to Januária.
- Two sheets, five pages.
- In Portuguese.
- 13.2 cm x 20.1 cm.
- Paris, November 14, 1844.
- Excellent condition.
- Unique piece.
Transcription of some excerpts
(...) It's not just Manna who misses me, I miss her a lot too, especially when I found out that Manna was so sick, and that I couldn't go and nurse her right away. You have no idea how hard separation is, especially when the bond is sweet.
(...) I was very pleased to learn that your marriage to Aquila is arranged. He arrived on the 24th of last month, and the King has already given his consent. He, Aquila, is in love with you; I know all this from a letter the Queen received from Naples.
(...) You have no idea how pleased I was with this deal. Joinville was just as happy as you, you can't imagine.
The marriages of Princesses Francisca and Januária, sisters of Dom Pedro II, were part of strategic diplomatic alliances that strengthened the relations of the Empire of Brazil with European powers.
Francisca married Francisco de Orléans, Prince of Joinville, son of King Louis Philippe I of France, in 1843, consolidating the rapprochement between Brazil and the House of Orléans, which ruled France at the time.
Januária married Luís de Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Count of Aquila, a member of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, in 1844, strengthening ties with the kingdom that dominated southern Italy.
These marriages reinforced the international standing of the Brazilian monarchy and guaranteed dynastic support for the young Emperor Dom Pedro II, who was still consolidating his reign. However, despite their political relevance, the unions were not happy: Januária and Luís de Bourbon lived separately for many years, while Francisca and her family faced difficulties after the fall of the monarchy in France.
This letter is important because it reveals how the entire imperial family, including the young Emperor Dom Pedro II, was happy with Januária's marriage to Áquila. The fact that he felt in love with Januária made the marriage even more promising. The correspondence also highlights, once again, the strong bond between the sisters and, in general, of the entire sibling group, who appreciated each other, even in the face of the weight of imperial obligations and distances.
