LE TELLIER (Durand). - Lot 266

LE TELLIER (Durand). Advisor and physician to Henri IV. P.S. "Le Tellier". July 8, 1601; oblong vellum. Rare autograph receipt signed by Durand Le Tellier, advisor and physician to King Henri IV, relating to the payment of a quarter of his wages. The document records receipt of the sum of "cent escuz" ordered by Jacques de La Guesle, then Treasurer General of the King's Household, for the months of January, February and March 1601. The document, written entirely on parchment, is in the fine cursive administrative script of the early 17th century. The text explicitly mentions the "gaiges à moy ordonnez pour mes services", providing an interesting insight into the financial workings of the royal household under Henry IV and the remuneration of court physicians. On verso, an autograph receipt repeats the terms of the deed: "Pour servir de quittance...", in accordance with the administrative practice of the time. Fine "Le Tellier" signature at the bottom of the deed. Historically evocative of the medical organization of Henri IV's court. Fair condition despite significant traces of old damp, some soiling and minor marginal defects in the vellum, without any major damage to the text or signature.