QUEEN MARIANA OF AUSTRIA (SPAIN) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/08/1655 CO-SIGNED BY: COUNTESS OF SALVATIERRA (ANTONIA MARCELA DE ACUÑA Y GUZMAN) - HFSID 53184

QUEEN MARIANA OF AUSTRIA (SPAIN) and COUNTESS OF SALVATIERRA (ANTONIA MARCELA DE ACUÑA Y GUZMAN)
Queen Mariana of Austria responds to a letter sent by the Countess of Salvatierra, who informs the Queen about the good spirits of her daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa, who would later be the Holy Roman Empress and German Queen
Autograph Letter Signed: "Yo La Reyna" and "La condesa de Salbatiera" in iron gall ink. 2p, 12x8¼ folded, 12x16½ flat. In Spanish, translated in full: "May God protect Her Highness, she is fine and very entertained and cute as always. I am happy to know Your Majesty is healthy, I hope God Your Majesty remains this way. Today is a festivity day. All the ladies kiss Tour Majesty's feet. May God protect Your Majesty. Palace, may 7, 1655. The Countess of Salbatiera” and“I happily received your letter with the good news. Thank God I am fine and I confess it was my fault not having told you about my delay in my period, I truly wish to be pregnant, but I am not sure I am yet. Give everyone my regards, May God protect you. Aranjuez, may 8, 1655. I, The Queen." Daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III, Queen Mariana of Austria (1634-1696) was destined to continue the tradition of intermarriage between the two branches of the Habsburg family. Accordingly, she became the second wife of King Philip IV of Spain, marrying him in 1649 at the young age of 14. In 1621, the King had inherited a declining throne with economic woes caused by lengthy wars. Mariana successfully produced an heir for King Philip, Charles II (1661-1700). Upon Philip's death in 1665, Mariana served for a decade as regent for their small son Charles. During her regency, she recognized Portugal's independence (1668) and renewed war with France (1673-1675) even though her stepdaughter Maria Teresa was married (1660) to King Louis XIV as part of a peace treaty with the French. The sickly and weak-minded Charles could not produce an heir, and his death caused the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713), which resulted in Maria's grandson Philip of Anjou inheriting the Spanish Crown. Sealed. Lightly toned. Faint surface creases. Edges slightly worn and soiled. Several small tears along edges. Minute ink stain on front. Otherwise, fine condition.