- 133
Mata Hari (Margaretha Geertruida Zelle)
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- paper and ink
Autograph letter in Dutch, signed ("Mata Hari"), The Hague, 8 August 1915, 8 pages on Hotel Paulez stationery (8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.; 220 x 140 mm), to her attorney Mr. E. Eijmans, complaining about problems with the contractor who is working on furnishing her house and the costly delays; one cellophane repair to a short marginal tear. Together with: a transcription of the letter.Quarter red morocco folding case.
Condition
Autograph letter in Dutch, signed ("Mata Hari"), The Hague, 8 August 1915, 8 pages on Hotel Paulez stationery (8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.; 220 x 140 mm), to her attorney Mr. E. Eijmans, complaining about problems with the contractor who is working on furnishing her house and the costly delays; one cellophane repair to a short marginal tear. Together with: a transcription of the letter.Quarter red morocco folding case.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Mata Hari complains angrily to her lawyer about the costly delays in furbishing her house in The Hague and in her fury lashes out at the contractor: I am enclosing a bill from the carpenter, intended for Mr. Soet, but sent to me. I am sorry these people come bothering me with it at the Hotel Paulez. ... If Mr. Soet does not want to keep his word, I would rather he took everything he brought into the house out again. His extra cost is perhaps 400 guilders, but mine is 4,000. I have the receipts from the Hotel Victoria and Hotel Paulez to show him. ... His honest and approved bill will be paid if he keeps his word—paid within two years from the day I move into the house, and when he has delivered all he still has to deliver."
She admits some progress has been made (a gas meter repaired, a bathtub installed) but stubbornly insists: "I reserve the right to sue for damages and for his insulting me in Wurfbain's office, and for the dirty work with the bill and for the long sojurn in hotels ... Please do point out to him how unfair it is to do business this way."
She admits some progress has been made (a gas meter repaired, a bathtub installed) but stubbornly insists: "I reserve the right to sue for damages and for his insulting me in Wurfbain's office, and for the dirty work with the bill and for the long sojurn in hotels ... Please do point out to him how unfair it is to do business this way."