Antique Imperial Russian Signed Letter Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia 1939

Siocha" was the nickname for Ferdinand Thormeyer, a former tutor and a lifelong friend of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia, the youngest sister of Tsar Nicholas II.

Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna maintained a long correspondence with Thormeyer, especially after she went into exile following the Russian Revolution. Her letters to him, often written in French, discussed her daily life and activities, such as going to the cinema or walking in the morning. The correspondence highlights their close and enduring friendship.

In the letter she writes:

Knuds-Minde, 4 April 1939

Good morning, my dear Siocha,

Here comes Easter already — time flies so fast! Tibor has been home since last night, though it’s cold and gray again after some lovely sunny days.

Our orchard is full of flowers — the lilacs will soon open. I have some blue lilacs that look like the French variety (as they call them here). They are so fragrant and beautiful!

We’ve spent a lot of time in the garden. The fresh air feels so good. I think the spring has been very early this year. The yellow forsythias and blue scillas are already fading.

Tibor is studying diligently; he has his first exams soon for the military school. We are all proud of him, though he has a difficult character and doesn’t always find things easy.

He’s still so young — at an age when one can easily be uncertain of oneself. But I think he will do well, God willing.

You ask about the world here — it’s very calm. People are beginning to work in their gardens again. Everyone seems to be preparing for spring, though the political atmosphere in Europe is very tense.

We try not to think about it too much — it only brings anxiety.

A few days ago, I went with some friends to Copenhagen. The streets were full of cheerful people and Easter decorations. It reminded me of the old days, though everything feels simpler now.

Later we went to visit the art exhibition — it was delightful. Some paintings were truly beautiful, especially those by Danish artists.

Yesterday, at 7:20, I was sitting by the fire — the same blue flames dancing — and thinking of you, my dear friend. I wondered what you were doing at that moment.

We’ve had some evenings with our neighbors, the Madsens and the Meyers. The latter invited us for tea on Sunday. Their house is very pretty, and we sat by the window overlooking the park.

The conversation was light and pleasant — everyone seemed cheerful. I brought home a small bouquet of white tulips — their scent still fills the room.

This morning, the birds are singing in the garden, and I’m writing to you by the window. The sun is shining again after a cool night.

How much beauty there is in these simple things!

I’m so grateful for peace, the flowers, the quiet of our home, and the love of our friends.

I wish you, my dear Siocha, a happy and blessed Easter. May God be with you always.

I embrace you tenderly,

Olga