Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Royal Provision of Phillip II, Confirming and Ratifying the Privileges Granted by the Masters of the Order of Santiago to the Village of Corral de Almaguer [ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT IN SPANISH, SIGNED BY KING PHILLIP II OF SPAIN]

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[Toledo]: 1572. Manuscript. Small folio. 12 1/4 x 8 1/4". 8 double-sided vellum manuscript leaves originally bound together (now unbound), hand painted and decorated in blue, red and gilt, at various points throughout the text. The first page is hand-painted and decorated along the edge and includes a large decorative initial in multiple colors. Manuscript text in gothic style. Signed "Yo el Rey" on the back of the final leaf, by King Phillip II of Spain in 1572.

Our manuscript contains the 4 confirmed provisions originally drafted by Infante Henry (Duke) of Aragon (1421 and 1440), Alonso de Cárdenas (here listed as "Alfoso" [sic], in 1480) and then "The Catholic Kings" (in 1494) all of whom at various times served as "Grand Masters of the Order of Santiago". The provisions were instigated against the Jewish communities of the villages of Corral de Almaguer and Ocana, in Toledo province. Residents of the towns affiliated with the Order of Santiago repeately complained throughout the 15th and 16th centuries to the the authorities of that order, of that the Jews (and later conversos) had bought land from Christians and had not paid any taxes on their purchases. Ultimately the Jews of Corral de Almaguer were ordered to pay comparable taxes to the Christians for said property, but the Jews of Ocana were excepted because of their previous payments of other taxes. Given the fact that this manuscript copy dates from 1572, and was signed and reconfirmed by King Phillip II so long after the expulsion of 1492, shows there were still clearly tensions, and persecution of local conversos, even long after the communities had converted to Catholicism.

The top left margin on the front of the first leaf contains a handwritten note in ink stating in Spanish "It consists of this-privilege that Juan Collado was a secretary of the Order of Santiago in the year 1480". There are a few additional scant marginal notes in ink throughout, and additional handwritten notes and signatures (some indecipherable) on the verso of the final leaf, under the King's signature. This document provide a fascinating and invaluable resource to those studying the history of Jews in Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Text in Spanish.

Creasing, as well as occasional light smudges and staining to the leaves. There is a tear in the decorative "D" on the front cover, resulting in some minimal loss of the text on the verso. In very good condition overall. vg. Item #45142

Full title summary:
Real Provisión de Felipe II confirmando una Carta de privilegio y confirmación dad por los Reyes Católicos por la que, a su vez, ratificaban los privilegios que los Meastres de la Orden de Santiago, el Infante Enrique de Aragon, y don Alfonso de Cardenas, habian concedido a la villa de Corral de Almaguer.
(Royal Provision of Felipe II, confirming a letter of privilege and confirmation by the Catholic Kings, for which, in turn, ratified the privileges that the Masters of the Order of Santiago, Infante Henry of Aragon, and Don Alfonso de Cardenas, had granted to the village of Corral de Almaguer).

Price: $17,500.00