LOT 0391

Post Medieval Vellum Document of Pope Paul III

ITALY, 1534-1538 A.D.

29 1/8 x 24 3/8 in. (137 grams, 74 x 62 cm).

Large rectangle with linear upper border and three pendant medallions: St. Peter with book and key, angels supporting the communion cup, St. Paul with sword and book; flanking blocks of dense flowers, leaves and tendrils above incipit 'IN XPI NOMINE AMEN' (in the name of Christ let it be so); similar lateral floral ornament flanking the central block of text in a fine italic hand with red-inked titles and name of the issuing authority (PAVLVS); folded lower edge with cord for attachment of an authenticating seal (absent); witnessed at bottom left corner by Franciscus Caesariensis Ep[iscopu]s (Bishop Francis of Caesaria) and credited at bottom right 'gratis in omnibus amore dei / Marius Cappocinus secretarius' (with thanks to the love of God in all things, Marius the Capuchin, Secretary); some usage wear, faded Italian-language notation to reverse. [No Reserve]

Collection of Victor Spark, UK, 2007.
Ex central London gallery.

Pope Paul III was the commissioner of the painting of the Last Judgement on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.