Ian Ehling
Head of Department
Lot 33
OFFICIAL PAPAL APPOINTMENT OF PEDRO DE LA VEGA AS SECRETARY TO THE COUNCIL & CHAMBER OF THE INDIES, AUTHORISED BY POPE BENEDICT XIV. Manuscript on vellum, in Italian, signed and dated on the back cover in Spanish by "Don Pedro de la Vega, del Consejo de S.M. [suo] Secratario, y Oficial Mayor de la Secretaria del Consejo...,"
11 December 2020, 10:00 EST
New YorkUS$2,500 - US$3,000
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OFFICIAL PAPAL APPOINTMENT OF PEDRO DE LA VEGA AS SECRETARY TO THE COUNCIL & CHAMBER OF THE INDIES, AUTHORISED BY POPE BENEDICT XIV.
Manuscript on vellum, in Italian, signed and dated on the back cover in Spanish by "Don Pedro de la Vega, del Consejo de S.M. [suo] Secratario, y Oficial Mayor de la Secretaria del Consejo...," folio (345 x 245 mm), Mexico, dated 26th of February, 1755, decorative opening page on the verso of the front cover, upper margin of each page decorated with one or two floral motifs, recto of back cover with further signatures. Original vellum, stitched, with the lead seal of Pope Benedict XIV attached by cords, covers slightly cockled and stained, a few tears to the covers, margins of a few leaves very lightly discolored.
An attractive Papal document appointing Don Pedro de la Vega to the office of Secretary to the Council and Chamber of the Indies. Whilst the role of Spain as the foremost nation in the world suffered after the 16th century, their posssessions in South America, in the Philippines and the West Indies were still an important source of trade and wealth. The Council of the Indies was established in 1524 by Charles V to administer the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines. With the ascension of the Bourbon Dynasty to the throne of Spain in the early 1700s, a series of administrative changes were put through, many of which superseded the functions of the Council, and Charles III set up a new role the Secretary of State for the Indies. The council however regained some of its power in the late 18th century before being dissolved in the early 19th century. The secretary for the council was still a powerful role, and invested with the authority of the Pope.
An attractive Papal document appointing Don Pedro de la Vega to the office of Secretary to the Council and Chamber of the Indies. Whilst the role of Spain as the foremost nation in the world suffered after the 16th century, their posssessions in South America, in the Philippines and the West Indies were still an important source of trade and wealth. The Council of the Indies was established in 1524 by Charles V to administer the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines. With the ascension of the Bourbon Dynasty to the throne of Spain in the early 1700s, a series of administrative changes were put through, many of which superseded the functions of the Council, and Charles III set up a new role the Secretary of State for the Indies. The council however regained some of its power in the late 18th century before being dissolved in the early 19th century. The secretary for the council was still a powerful role, and invested with the authority of the Pope.