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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2017
The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II and Isabella I signed Royal decree as King and Queen of the Spanish Empire, dated 30 July 1497. Signed in large bold writing, ''Yo el Rey'' (I the King) and ''Yo la Reyna'' (I the Queen). Document instructs Dr. Alfonso Ramires de Villaescusa, the Mayor of Villadolid, to allow Francisco de Santiestevan to stay in Villadolid while its Regidor, the count of Ribadeo, was absent, implying tension between the count and de Villaescusa, who would supersede the count as the Regidor of Villadolid several years later. The count of Ribadeo was a key figure to the Edict of Expulsion in 1492, which forced all practicing Jews out of Spain if they failed to convert to Christianity. In a famous and historical letter regarding the Edict, Ferdinand wrote to the count on 31 March 1492, the same day the Edict was issued, insisting that the Jews must be expelled to stop the ''evils and harm which come to the Christians from participating with and conversation with the said Jews,'' who continue to ''pervert'' them. Because of the Edict, many practicing Jews joined the ''Converso'' (Jews who had converted to Christianity) community; the recipient of this letter, Dr. Alfonso Ramires de Villaescusa, had a daughter who married into the Converso community, which continued to be discriminated against after the Edict. Single page document measures 8.5'' x 9.25''. Folds, spotting along margins and irregularly trimmed edges. Overall very good to near fine given age. Accompanied by a COA from University Archives.
Letter translates in full, ''Dr. Alfonso Ramires de Villaescusa, our municipal royal representative in the town of Villadolid. We have seen your letter, and regarding what you say about Francisco de Santiestevan entering into and remaining in that town while the count of Ribadeo is absent, let him remain there, as we sent to order you And when you learn that the count is coming there, let the said Francisco de Santiestevan depart to someplace where he may remain until we give order in the matter as may redound to our service. / Yo el Rey Yo la Reyna''. At lower right, ''By order of the King and Queen / Juan de la Parra.''
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella Signed Royal Decree From 1497 as King & Queen of Spain -- Regarding an Official Involved in the Edict of Expulsion -- With COA From University Archives
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