A very fine manuscript Papal Bull on parchment written in scrittura bollatica Latin. Signed in the name of Pope Clement VIII, dated at Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, 15 September 1604 (in the 12 year of his papacy). (183x310mm – 7.25 x 12.25 inches)
A Papal Bull, named for the “bulla” or lead seal originally appended to it, is a particular type of important communication issued by a pope. After the 15th century, they were used only for formal or solemn occasions. Bulls were written at the Vatican in an archaic and very artificial Latin style known as “scrittura bollatica”, full of abbreviations and contractions virtually undecipherable to ordinary readers – a copy in ordinary script sometimes accompanied them.
The documents begin with the pope’s name, followed by “episcopus servus servorum Dei” (… Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God). The date is found in the last two lines of text, and the signatures of various Papal authorities are added in the lower margin.
This particular Bull relates to a Papal dispensation of marriage within the fourth degree of consanguinity (first cousins) of Margarithe Scogamiglio, a woman of Naples. The decrees of the Council of Trent (1545-1563) relating to consanguinity are referenced. Prompted by the Protestant Reformation, the Council of Trent was the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. It has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation.
Pope Clement VIII (24 February 1536 – 3 March 1605), born Ippolito Aldobrandini; Pope from 30 January 1592 to 3 March 1605. He ended the 30 year religious war in France, promulgated a peace treaty between France and Spain, extended the Papal States, and initiated an alliance of Christian European powers to battle the Ottoman Empire.
An attractive liturgical document in nice antiquarian condition, with bold signatures. There are a few small holes (none affecting the text), including four piercings for the seal cord which is no longer present.
Shipped unmatted
