Rare Illuminated vellum MS Diploma issued by the University of Pavia in recognition of obtaining a Degree of the College Faculties of Imperial Sciences to the level of Doctorate
FEATURES A STUNNING HAND TOOLED GILT LADEN FINE BINDING, HAND COLORED AND ILLUMINATED ARMORIAL CREST AND IN TEXT GOLD ILLUMINATIONS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO ALL 6 LEAVES WITHIN
Diploma presented to Francis Zuchellus, son of Doctor Benedict of Milan, by the University of Pavia in recognition of his obtaining a Degree of the College Faculties of Imperial Sciences to the level of Doctorate in 1684.
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6 vellum folios, in one gathering (the outer bifolium on thicker vellum), measuring roughly 9" x 6" (binding 9,.25" x 6.5"), and consisting of 20 lines (12 only on f.2r; 12
only on f.5v) in brown, with several names in liquid gold illumination and the
initials of many words in bold ink, all in an extremely fine italic hand. On
f.1v a multi-colored and gilt ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMS presumably relating to the
family of the recipient of the diploma. On
folio 2r the first word “PETRUS” is written in an oval
multi-coloured cartouche with white, grey and mauve swags. The
names of the recipient and several important people are written in
liquid gold. With
the exception of f.1r and f.6v, every page has a full border, f.1v of
four lines (three of dark brown and one of liquid gold), the
remaining pages of two lines (both in dark brown).
Diploma begins by naming church and university dignitaries, extols the virtues of the man, lists the eminent personages under whom he has studied, explains how worthy he is to receive the Degree, sets out the oaths that has been solemnly declared and vowed (the Creed and the Profession of Faith of the Trent Council, 1565) and how he has passed with glory the teaching, interpreting and questioning involved. It ends with mention of the eminent witnesses to the event and states that the man has received the highest praise. A notary mark with an “A” over a “C” and a “D” together with an attestation are appended. The signature is possibly that of Charles Anthony Durellum, Notary, and the Chancellor of the Episcopal Papal Court, but the attestation has not been able to be transcribed. (former owner's research; RM)
The binding is also quite stunning, bound in contemporary russet morocco binding with elaborate gilt-tooled front and back, retaining all four original silk ties at the outside edge. Some wear but nothing major. The inside of the covers have a multi-colored paper pastedown.
Of note is the attached seal, fastened to the diploma through a punched hole in the bottom inside corner by a silk cord is a seal skippet. It still contains about one third of the original red wax seal of the Chancery Court the bottom register of which depicts a colonnade with bishops. It has not been possible to find a copy of a complete seal (former owner again, RM).
From the collection of Jean Despres (Ex Vice President of Coty Inc US), a lifelong devout Catholic whose French parents were born in Corsica (next door to Napoleon's birthplace) and Portugal. Both were French and his wife was US designer, and collector. Many books were purchased from the estate of L.N.Brunswig, an American, but also at auction and from dealers.. The Library was inventoried in the 1970's with the Despres’ Bookplate This one does not have a bookplate and it is therefore probable that it was purchased after that date. The former seller inherited Jean Despres library collection in 1989. Good luck!
