A description of Kristina given in a letter written by "a Turkish Spy" on August 17, 1646.
Source:
The Eight Volumes of Letters Writ by a Turkish Spy: Who Liv'd Five and Forty Years Undiscover'd at Paris, Volume 3, A. Wilde, 1748
The description:
... In the meanwhile, hear what the French say about Christina Queen of Swedeland, of whom thou requirest a Description.
She is the only Daughter of Gustaphus Adolphus ...
After the Death of Gustavus, the States of the Kingdom assembling, proclaim'd Christina Queen, and during her Minority, committed her to the Tutelage of Five principal Officers of the Kingdom, who also took on them the whole Care of the Commonwealth.
She is perfect in Seven Languages, well vers'd in Ancient and Modern Philosophy, and a complete Historian. In fine, she has acquir'd the Title of the most learned Princess of her Time.
She is of a most graceful and Majestick Aspect; has a piercing Eye; wears part of her Hair loose about her Temples, and flowing down in Curls to her Shoulders; the rest braided up behind, in Form of a Wreath. Thus is she represented by her Picture, which I have seen in a Gallery of Cardinal Mazarini's Palace, who possesses a great Veneration for this Queen. Could I have purchased this Pourtraiture, as I did her Father's, I would have sent it thee: But all the Pencils in Paris are hardly sufficient to supply the Closets and Galleries of the Nobles with this admired Figure. She is become the Idol of the French.
Many great Matches have been offer'd her, but she refuses all, either for Reasons of State, or Dislike of the Persons, or an Aversion she has for a married Life; or through Opposition of her Nobles, who seem to covet to be govern'd by a Maiden Queen. Soon after her Father's Death, the King of Denmark attempted to make her his Wife; but his Address was abruptly rejected.
Above: Kristina.
No comments:
Post a Comment