ELSSLER, Fanny (1810-1884)
Autograph letter signed “Fanny Elssler” to M. Eli
N.p, le 12 August 1826, 1/2 p. in-8
“Don’t blame me too much “
Fact sheet
ELSSLER, Fanny (1810-1884)
Autograph letter signed “Fanny Elssler” to M. Eli
N.p, le 12 August 1826, 1/2 p. in-8
Previously mounted (mark on verso), some small tears on the fold marks
Very scarce letter from the famous Austrian dancer, then 16 years old
In sometimes phonetic French, she writes:
« Agréé je vous prie Monsieur Eli toutes mes remerciements pour la bontée que vous avez eu, de me prêter vos castagnettes, ne m’en voulez pas trop de les avoir garder si long temps. Le volà avec un million de remerciements. Adieu Monsieur Eli.
Fanny Elssler »
Considered one of the greatest performers of romantic ballet, Fanny Elssler captivated her contemporaries with her sensuality and her ability to make the most dramatic situations.
She was for a time the mistress of the Duke of Reichstadt, an affair that Edmond Rostand recalled in his play L’Aiglon.
Théophile Gautier, who greatly admired her, nicknamed her “the pagan ballerina.”