This is the original official document, signed by the chief Inquisitor of the Granada branch of the Holy Office, making Sr. Montero a familiar. It is written a clear ecclesiastical hand on the white side of the piece of vellum. The signature of the Inquisitor (Dr. Tomás Rodríguez de Monroy) is bold and attractive. On the verso, or the "yellow" side of the vellum, is the secretarial certification that all the appropriate officials have been notified. That ancillary document is written in a notarial hand with all of its difficulties.

In the border area of the document are illuminated and unilluminated miniatures as well as the symbol of the Dominican Order. The latter is found in the upper corners. Below the one on the left is an illuminated miniature of the Virgin. Below the one on the right is an illuminated miniature of King Philip IV. Below the Virgin is an illuminated rendering of the Montero coat of arms and that is repeated below the king’s image. At the center top of the document is the symbol of the Spanish Inquisition.

•  Folded once upon a time into four sections and old creases still present. Upper left corner with small loss of vellum. A very good example of this rare type of document.

On the bottom half is a signed receipt, in Spanish, dated Granada 8 May 1501, wherein Germán de Paris and Jacques acknowledge receiving the above mentioned payment.

•  The usual slash of cancellation (faintly visible above), indicating that this has been entered into the account books. Remnant of stiff paper at top of verso indicating it was once mounted in an album.

In 1637 Diego Mendez Chavez was the successful bidder for the ten-year right to collect the royal tax on fresh and salted fish (with a few types of fish, doubtless already assigned to others, excepted). This compilation of documents relates to Mendez Chavez’s travails in collecting the tax and paying his monthly stipend.

An interesting and complicated file of primary economic data during Spain’s century of decline.

•  Good/Good+ condition. Sewn. Written in several hands, all notarial in style. First 10 leaves with stain from water having spilled on the cahier; only the first leaf is affected to the extent of making reading difficult (but NOT impossible). Some tattering to edges of final three leaves.

The Court had just come through a period during which a military ruler had systematically dismantled the courts and undercut their authority and dignity. Olañeta had assumed his presidency only days before the first document in the collection was penned.

•  Very good condition. A few small tears at folds.

For more FOR ANDEANISTS,  click here.

•  Sewn. All four in very good condition.

Once more, for WOMEN's interest,  click here.