These letters are filled with love and intense passion…
Love is an eternal theme, bringing both sweet happiness and bittersweet moments of parting.
Regardless of the era, heartfelt words between lovers always make hearts flutter. In the past, when modern technology had not yet developed, handwritten letters were considered the most effective means of expressing feelings.
Let’s revisit some excerpts from what are considered the greatest love letters of all time as compiled by Glamour below.
1. Emperor Napoleon wrote to Josephine
In the life of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, there is a long list of women he loved, but he was passionately devoted for life to one – the widow Josephine.
Image of Emperor Napoleon…
…and the woman Napoleon loved for life – Josephine
Below is an excerpt from one of the letters that Napoleon sent to Josephine: “Since being away from you, I have always felt despondent. Happiness is being by your side. I can never stop thinking about your caresses, your tears, and your affection.
Your allure is incomparable; it continuously burns and lights the fire in my heart. When all worries fade away, what occupies my mind is whether I can spend all my time with you, loving only you and contemplating the happiness of expressing that love to you?”
2. The love letter Beethoven wrote to “Immortal Beloved”
Before his death, the genius composer Ludwig van Beethoven left behind a letter for the woman he called “Immortal Beloved”, with the affectionate words “My angel, my all, my very self”.
The letter with Beethoven’s words
The letter includes the passage: “Even while lying in bed, my mind is always directed towards you, my eternal love. There are moments of joy, sadness, and waiting, wondering if fate hears our words.
I have decided to stay away from you until I can return to your embrace, saying that I have truly come back to you, wrapping my soul around you in the invisible world. Then, you will understand my loyalty. No one else can hold my heart, never. Please be calm, love me, today, yesterday. The tears of longing for you – you – you, all belong to me. Continue to love me, never misjudge the faithful heart of your lover. Forever mine. Forever yours. Forever ours.”
3. The love letter Frida Kahlo wrote to Diego Rivera
Frida Kahlo is a renowned female painter in the history of global art. She married Diego Rivera, a Mexican muralist. Despite her husband’s infidelity, Frida Kahlo always wrote deeply affectionate letters to him.
The couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera
One of the letters Frida Kahlo wrote includes: “Nothing compares to your hands and eyes. My body is filled with your image day by day. You are the mirror in the night, the flickering light in my life. Your embrace is where my life is warmed. All my joy is in seeing you and feeling all my nerves tingling for you.”
4. The love letter from Georgia O’Keeffe to Alfred Stieglitz
Georgia O’Keeffe was an American painter known for her abstract works. She married Alfred Stieglitz, a photographer and art gallery director, in 1916.
In many letters to her husband, Georgia O’Keeffe expressed her intense love. Among them is this excerpt: “My love – I am going crazy with the desire to have you. If you do not come tomorrow, I don’t know how I can wait for you. I wonder if you crave me as I am feeling right now? The kisses, the passion, the tenderness seem to melt together, tightly entwined.”
5. The love letter from writer Victor Hugo to Adele Foucher
The famous French writer, poet, and playwright Victor Hugo wrote many heartfelt love letters to the woman he loved, Adele Foucher. Despite opposition from their families, Victor Hugo and Adele Foucher were determined to be together.
The love story of Victor Hugo…
…and Adele Foucher went through many storms
Due to their love being distant, Victor Hugo poured his passionate love into letters for his beloved. Here is an excerpt from a letter Victor Hugo sent to “my love” in 1821: “My beloved! Even when lost in a crowd, when two souls find each other, this harmony will blaze, originating from the Earth and soaring all the way to heaven. This is passion, this is true love. That love comes from deep within my heart, with sincerity and the sacrifice of the sweetest things.
You are the one who ignites that love within me. The pure and intense love of angels. I will tell you a thousand times that I love you deeply. If you love me, even a little, you will find joy because I will always be delighted to repeat these words to you.”
