Lot 124

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Description:

1492 Ferdinand & Isabella DS, while Columbus was sailing "the ocean blue" and a month before he landed

Single page Manuscript document signed , 8.25" x 7.75". Dated "September 15, 1492" and signed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella as "Yo el Rey" (I the King) and "Yo la Reyna" (I the Queen). Extremely well preserved with only slight toning and expected folds. Boldly manuscripted and boldly signed with strong contrasting ink. Near fine. Accompanied by a neatly typed translation. Stunning presentation having been newly matted, framed and glazed using all archival materials, to an overall size of 13.5" x 20" in a richly toned wood frame with gilt beading. 

Manuscript document commanding Don Juan de Ribeiro to the town of San Sebastian to carry out their Royal orders in establishing peace and order in the town. Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, known as the Catholic kings, ruled Castile and Aragon jointly. Their marriage in 1469 unified Christian Spain which laid the foundation for Spain's future greatness. Under their rule, Christian Spain launched the Inquisition in 1478 and issued the Alhambra Decree of 1492, forcing Jews convert to Catholicism or submit to expulsion. That same year they sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage, which led to the creation of the overseas Spanish colonial empire, bringing great wealth and power to Spain. This rare document is signed and dated just two days after Columbus sighted and landed in the New World, claiming it for Spain.

Below the document is translated in full:

"Don Juan de Ribera there we have given orders concerning matters relating to San Sebastian and especially as regards the provost and goal of the said town. As you will see by our letters in which we command you, for our service, to repair to the said town, and carry into execution the orders we give you in this matter, and to work for the establishment of the said town and its residents in peace and concord, as benefits our service, Zaragoza, XV day of October of ninety and two years."

After lobbying the Spanish Court to sponsor his voyage, Columbus finally was rewarded in 1492 after Ferdinand and Isabella had conquered Grana, the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula. Consultants reported that Columbus had underestimated the distance of his voyage. They denounced his ideas as impractical and advised the Royals to pass on the proposed venture. However, to keep their options open, in the event Columbus was successful, they agreed to finance the trip. Columbus was to be made "Admiral of the Seas" and would receive a portion of all profits. The terms were unusually generous but the monarchs did not expect him to return. Columbus landed in the New World and claimed for himself the lifetime pension promised by Ferdinand and Isabella one month after they signed this order.

An outstanding well preserved King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella signed document, with perhaps among the closest known date to Columbus arriving and claiming the New World for Spain.

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April 14, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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