[SPAIN].

£3,750 · Offered by Sokol Books

An attractive ms probanza (proof) certifying the legitimate limpieza de sangre (blood purity) and Christian descent of Francisco de Colmenares from the Spanish city of Caceres, in Estremadura. A fine example of early C17 Spanish Procesal-Encadenada calligraphy, it was written by the scribe Francisco de Medrano, recorded in Caceres until 1632 (Hurtado, p.511), in the presence of Licenciado Bernabe Vaca de Avila, alcalde mayor of Caceres. A final leaf includes a declaration, signed by three Caceres notaries, possibly Inquisitors, that Bernabe de Avila was indeed alcalde mayor, hence allowed to certify the probanza on behalf of the king. The probanza may have been produced because of a pedimento (petition) issued in respect of Francisco de Colmenares, concerning his lineage and Christian descent. This was a very practical matter as all sorts of service under the crown, civil or military, advancement in the ranks of the nobility and local administration and many professions, had become dependent on being of proven, pure Spanish ancestry. Francisco declares himself the legitimate son of Rodrigo de Colmenares probably the same recorded as a dyer c.1590 (Iglesias, p.14) - and Ana Garcia, legally married; they are defined, in turn, as legitimate children of Francisco s grandparents, also mentioned. Witnesses were heard, such as neighbours who also knew his parents, as this kind of hearing entailed examination. The recurring formula, repeated by all witnesses, is linpios de toda mala

• Binding: Hardcover

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