MANUSCRIT. - CARTA EJECUTORIA DE HIDALGUIA. [Granada, 1604]. - Lot 85

MANUSCRIT. - CARTA EJECUTORIA DE HIDALGUIA. [Granada, 1604]. Manuscript in-folio (305 x 210 mm), 69 leaves, crimson velvet on ais, corner protectors, cabochon and clasps with fasteners (one of two) in chased silver, gilt edges, large seal attached to a braided cord (Period Spanish binding). Charter of confirmation of nobility issued by King Philip III of Spain, through the Chancellery of Granada in 1604. The recipient is a man named Joan Berdejo. Manuscript on vellum decorated with 2 spectacular full-page paintings facing each other: each with a stylized border and four full-length portraits of saints in the corners (including St. Sebastian, St. Thomas, St. Peter, St. Roch and St. Clare), they depict, on the left, the royal family at prayer beneath the Virgin and Child accompanied by St. John the Baptist, and on the right, a saint holding the Church in his left hand with graphosomes at his feet. The text, which is calligraphed in rotunda black ink, ruled and framed by a double fillet in violet ink, is adorned with 16 illuminated letters (a large initial R, 11 initials and 4 ornate letters depicting saints: St. Peter, St. John, St. Anthony and St. John the Baptist), a miniature depicting King Philip III of Spain hosting the letter P, and the recipient's large painted coat of arms. During the Renaissance, Cartas ejecutorias de hidalguia, official documents issued by the chancelleries of Valladolid and Granada, confirmed the titles of nobility to which subjects of the Spanish crown were entitled. A very pleasing volume, preserved in its original velvet binding, with chased silver corner protectors, cabochons and clasps, complete with seal bearing the effigy and arms of Philip III of Spain. Small traces of rodents on the edges of some leaves, traces of worms at the bottom of the spine. Missing clasp.