ELEONORE OF AUSTRIA, QUEEN OF POLAND: (1653-1697) Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania 1670-73, as spouse of Michael I, King of Poland. Eleonore married Charles V, Duke of Lorraine, in 1678, becoming Grand Duchess of Lorraine, and acted as regent of the Duchy during the minority of her son 1690-97. Queen Eleonore was regarded as an ideal model of a good, supportive and loyal spouse. Rare L.S., `Eleonora Regina´, a large and attractive signature, one page, 4to, Insbruck, 22nd January 1680, to Marquise Leonora Crinelli in Milan, in Italian. The letter states to the heading `Eleonora per Grazia di Dio Regina di Polonia & Duchesa di Lorena´ (Translation: `Eleonora by the Grace of God Queen of Poland & Duchess of Lorraine´). The Queen sends her greetings to her correspondent, and her assurance of friendship, stating in part `Quanto maggiori e piu… si sono sempre dimostrati i rispetti di V.S. verso di noi; altretanto singolarmi de rimarcati, e vivi rimangono nella nostra memoria. Accettissimi non di meno ci giungono i nuovi attestati… (Translation: `The greater and more… are always the respects Y.E. has demonstrated towards us; equally I wish to remark the vivid souvenirs remaining in our memory. Nonetheless, the new letters are very welcome…´) Eleonore of Austria further refers to the birth of her eldest son, Leopold, stating `La nascita del Principino mio dilettissimo primogenito, riconoscendo anche in essi la continova sincerita e affezione dil´animo suo…´ (Translation: `The birth of my dearest first-born son little Prince, also recognizing in him the continued sincerity and affection of his soul…´) With address leaf, bearing a Royal red wax seal in fine condition. Small overall minor creasing and age wear, otherwise VG Leopold, Duke of Lorraine (1679-1729) Duke of Lorraine 1690-1729. Known as Leopold ''the Good''. Leopold was born four months before the present letter was written. As Regent, Eleonore worked to end the French occupation of Lorraine and restore the Duchy's independence. Her goal was reached when the Duchy of Lorraine was restored at the Peace of Ryswick in 1697. She died not long after at the early age of 44, having outlived both of her husbands and two of her children.