Music/Dance
KSCHESSINSKA
(Matilda Maria, 1872-1971, Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Imperial Theatre, St. Petersburg, Mistress in 1892 of Nicholas II as Tsesarevich, and of his cousin Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich, 1879-1956, whom she married in 1921)
Autograph Letter Signed 'Aunt Mala' to her great-nephew Vladimir Astafiev
(b.1921) and Vladimir's wife Jane (née de Vere, b.1919), in French, sending her sincere wishes to you and affectionate greetings, on folding card printed Best Wishes for 1959 in French, with view of the Eiffel Tower, 4 sides 4 x 3, no place, no date
Background
Vladimir's grand-parents were Matilda's brother the actor Joseph Kschessinsky, (1868-1942), and his first wife the ballerina Serafima Alexandrovna Astafieva, (1876-1934), who opened a famous ballet school at 152 King's Road, Chelsea, in 1916. Vladimir's mother was Margot Luck (d. 1976), pupil of Astafieva.
Stock No. 11925