MAILLARD (Claude) - Lot 275

MAILLARD (Claude) MAILLARD, Claude. Advisor and physician to kings Henri IV and Louis XIII. P.S. "C. Maillard", September 30, 1601; vellum in-4 oblong. Rare document signed by Claude Maillard, physician attached successively to Henri IV and Louis XIII, concerning the settlement of his wages in the King's household. The document constitutes a receipt for the sum of "sixty-six escus two-thirds" corresponding to half a year's wages. The payment was ordered by Jacques de Grard, Treasurer General of the King's Household, a figure frequently encountered in the financial records of the royal administration under Henry IV. On the reverse is the administrative receipt confirming receipt of the funds. This type of document illustrates the day-to-day running of the medical offices attached to the royal court in the early 17th century, at a time when the sovereign's physicians occupied an essential place both in the king's immediate entourage and in the organization of the royal household. Beautiful cursive handwriting on vellum, with large autograph signature "Maillard". The vellum is missing in the lower right-hand corner, with slight marginal damage, and there are significant traces of dampness and age-old brown spots. The text remains perfectly legible and the signature well preserved. A rare and decorative set.