MARIA CHRISTINA PRINCESS OF TRANSYLVANIA: (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, Vynar?, 2nd of December 1596, 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 news received from Poland and to the letters taken in return by her sister to Poland. Marie Christine most probably refers to her elder sister Anne of Austria, Queen of Poland as spouse of King Sigismund III. Anne of Austria would pass away a year later at the very early age of 24.  With address leaf. Slightly irregular edges and overall age wear, with small professional repair to the left edge, 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.