CHARLES VIII. - Lot 67

Lot 67
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200 - 300 EUR
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CHARLES VIII. - Lot 67
CHARLES VIII. ROYAL CHARTER ON PARCHMENT. Confirmation of a transaction concerning property located in Burgundy. [France, Royal Chancery], late 15th century (circa 1483–1498). Large oblong parchment (approx. 78 × 58 cm), handwritten on vellum, comprising some sixty long lines in Gothic cursive script, bearing several notarial and seigneurial signatures at the lower fold. A very important royal charter from the late Middle Ages, opening with the majestic inscription “Charles, by the grace of God, King of France,” written in elegant chancery script. The document, which is particularly detailed, concerns the confirmation of a transaction involving lands, cens, feudal rights, and seigneurial revenues located in Burgundy. The text outlines the respective rights of the parties, details the properties in question, establishes the mutual obligations of the contracting parties, and confirms all agreements entered into under royal authority. As was customary in deeds of this period, the extremely detailed wording aims to prevent any future disputes and to ensure the full legal validity of the agreements reached. The lower margin preserves the numerous handwritten signatures of the officials, commissioners, and notaries who participated in the receipt and validation of the deed. Several richly decorated hand-drawn signatures, characteristic of notarial practice in the late 15th century, are perfectly preserved and lend the document as a whole a remarkable decorative quality. The major royal charters of Charles VIII are significantly less common than those of Louis XI or Francis I. They bear witness to the functioning of the monarchy at a pivotal moment in French history, on the eve of the Italian Wars and the emergence of the modern state. In fine condition despite the original archival creases. The parchment remains supple, with a few small holes and signs of wear along the folds, but no significant damage to the text. The inks are well-preserved, and the signatures remain particularly legible. A very fine piece of chancery, combining the most sought-after qualities of medieval royal documents: large format, elegant Gothic script, numerous signatures and hand-written seals, and significant historical significance.
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