Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23025 - Historical Documents, Postal History & Autographs
Lot: 289

Russia
(Rasputin)
1917 (January 2) Autograph letter written in Russian to Prince Felix Yussoupoff (1887-1967), involved in the assassination of Gregori Rasputin the month prior to this being written. His correspondent is his paternal aunt, Alexandra Feliksovna Sumarakova-Elston. She refers to the deteriorating situation in Petrograd, and whatever the Imperial Family may think of the murder, many in Court circles approved. She mentions the exile of Grand Duke Nikolai Mikhailovich for his opposition to the rule of Tsar Nicholas II and exclaims "God, when will this madness end, and to what horror will it lead us!" There is discussion of the acquisition of a family portrait, even at such a traumatic time. The letter ends with clear criticism of Empress Alexandra "You would not believe how ashamed I am of my bungling namesake".
At this date Felix Youssupoff had been exiled from Saint Petersburg as punishment for his role in the murder of Rasputin.
(12pp on 3 sheets, with an English translation).

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£3,800

Starting price
£700