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Traditionally known as Don John of Austria, and in Spanish as Don Juan de Austria (1547-1578), was an illegitimate son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. He became a military leader in the service of his half-brother, Philip of Spain and is best known for his naval victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Incredibly rare LS in Italian, signed “Don Ju[an] de Austria,” one page, 8.25 x 11.5, May 4, 1574. Letter to King Philip II of Spain recommending that a secretary to the BC "Don Bernau of the qual Melgosa very honorably as a fact found in the BARGAINS that at this time are offrecido." At the conclusion, he adds in his own hand, "D. V. Mgd meanest creature and his royal hands seruidor q kisses Don Ju Austria." In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, light creasing and wrinkling, small separation to one horizontal fold, and some mild toning and foxing. Of the utmost rarity, with only two documents by scribal hand at auctions in recent decades. RRAuction COA.
