Lot #355

Philip II: After the death of his first wife and cousin, Princess Maria of Portugal, in 1545, Philip married his first cousin once removed, Queen Mary I of England, in 1554

Description

King of Spain (1556-1598) who put down the revolt of the Moors, instituted the Inquisition, and launched his nation’s famed naval Armada. After the death of his first wife and cousin, Princess Maria of Portugal, in 1545, Philip married his first cousin once removed, Queen Mary I of England, in 1554.

Manuscript DS in Old French, signed “Yo el Rey” [I the King], one page, 13 x 13, September 1566. An official letter mentioning the general assembly, the king’s sister the Duchess of Parma, an illness in the family, and a return to Madrid “expressly ... to give orders to our parliament.” Countersigned by one other. An embossed paper seal remains intact at center right. In good condition, with intersecting folds (away from signature), toning and staining (faint offsetting from seal touching signature), scattered wrinkling, small cut cancellations to left margin, and ink erosion holes to countersignature. The signature is large, dark, and otherwise unaffected. RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
• Dates: #345 - Ended 05/13/2009