A RARE HISPANO MEXICAN HERALDIC & LEGAL MANUSCRIPT, c. 1641
From the Library of Emperor Maximilian’s Secretary
Original manuscript of 14 parchment leaves (disbound) from a Spanish Cart Executa (Hidago) - "Grant of Arms". 26 lines of red ruled text written in Spanish in lettre batarde script in black ink. (300 x 210mm - 12 x 8.4")
Superb Full-Page Heraldic Display. Richly illuminated throughout with divisional heading in colors and gold. Assembled and scribed by Alonso Perez, notary public of the port of Santa Maria. Final leaf with signatures and notarial seals.
Written in Mexico City and dated 2 December 1641. ( from the collection of Augustine Fischer: Bibliotheca Mejicana Augustine Fischer –German priest and personal secretary of Emperor Maximilian II until the latter’s execution in 1867).
This manuscript was assembled at the request of Alonso Lopez de Luna of Seville, whose son, Alonso de Fonte Luna was in Mexican prison facing a charge of murder. In an effort to rescue his son, Lopez commissioned the manuscript to demonstrate the noble lineage of the family, hoping to enjoy the judicial privileges then granted a nobleman.
