BROUET (Gérard) - Lot 277

BROUET (Gérard) BROUET, Gérard. Advisor and physician to King Henri III. P.S. "G. Brouet", January 28, 1579; oblong vellum in-folio, text on recto and receipt on verso. Rare document signed by Gérard Brouet, advisor and ordinary physician to King Henri III, concerning the payment of his court fees. The document constitutes a receipt for the sum of "deux cens escuz sol", corresponding to a quarter of his stipend as physician ordinary to the sovereign for the months of August to November 1578. Payment was made by Jacques Toussain, general treasurer of the King's household. On the reverse is a summary receipt for the treasurer, recalling the payment of wages due "for the months of August, September, October and November". An interesting administrative record of the workings of the royal household under Henry III, at a time marked by the political and religious tensions of the Wars of Religion. Documents concerning physicians directly attached to the King's service are still uncommon on the market. Beautiful Renaissance cursive handwriting, with large autograph signature and layout typical of royal receipts on vellum. Document shows traces of damp and some old wear, but no major damage to legibility.