301. “Mata Hari”.- Zelle (Margaretha, dancer, courtesan & spy, 1876-1917) Autograph Letter signed to “Messieurs”, 2pp. in French, 8vo, 11, Rue Windsor, Neuilly-St. James, n.d., telling her agents to expect a visit from Mr Mingardi, the Director of La Scala, Milan, who is offering her an engagement which she is anxious to accept “while waiting for Bakst to finish his creations”, folds.
est. £1000 – £1500
The Russian painter Leon Bakst designed scenery and costumes for the Diaghilev ballet, and from this letter it appears that he also designed for Mata Hari.
Mata Hari, courtesan and exotic dancer. She was arrested by the French and accused of being a German spy, putting the lives of thousands of soldiers at risk. She was executed by firing squad on 15 October 1917.