MARIA CHRISTINA OF AUSTRIA: (1574-1621) Princess Consort of Transylvania 1586-98, as spouse of Sigismund Bathory. ...

MARIA CHRISTINA OF AUSTRIA: (1574-1621) Princess Consort of Transylvania 1586-98, as spouse of Sigismund Bathory. Maria Christina was elected in 1598, for a period of four months, Sovereign Princess regnant of Transylvania. Rare L.S., `Maria Christierna´, one page, folio, Samos Vynar?, 3rd of October, n.y., to Reverend Alphonso, Bishop of Cervia, Italy, in Latin. To the heading, Constance is referred to as Princess of Transylvania, Voivode of Valaquia and `Born Grand Duchess of Austria´. The Princess refers to the letters exchanged with her correspondent and states in part `Most Reverend and Illustrious Sir, yesterday we received the light of the noble generosity of Sir Friveriens of Horberstam, right hand man for these matters..´ With address leaf, bearing an attractive Royal paper seal. Irregular right edge, with light water stain to the bottom right corner and upper edge, not affecting the bold dark ink signature. Overall age wear, otherwise G In August 1595 Maria Christina married Sigismund Bathory, Prince of Transylvania. The marriage was regarded as a major political gain, as Sigismund, formerly a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, formed close ties with the Holy Roman Emperor. Emperor Rudolf II appointed Sigismund Prince of the Holy Roman Empire and also secured the possession of Transylvania, if the couple remain without offspring. However, this union proved to be completely unhappy. Sigismund, after a disastrous wedding night, refused to consummate the marriage and sent his wife to a fortress in Kovar Vara, where Maria Christina was kept as prisoner.