Carta Executoria de Hidalguía (Patent of Nobility) of Juan de Nurueña y Alava; in Spanish, illuminated manuscript on parchment

SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY ILLUMINATED DOCUMENT FOR A SPANISH NOBLE FAMILY. In Spanish, illuminated manuscript on parchment, Spain (Valladolid), May 8, 1622. Dimensions 310 x 220 mm., 87 folios complete, some leaf and quire signatures, prickings visible, written in a humanist bookhand in 28 long lines, headings in gold capitals on grounds of blue and dark red, TWO FULL-PAGE MINIATURES. BINDING: Modern (19-20th century?) reddish purple velvet binding over wooden boards, with a center ornament and border impressed in the velvet, two ornamental silver clasps, housed in a protective box. TEXT: This Carta Executoria, granted on behalf of King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665), (truncated) authenticates the nobility of Juan de Nurueña y Alava, thereby granting him exemption from taxes along with other perks. Our document is the formal copy that was commissioned and retained by the family, copied in a beautiful script, and lavishly illuminated. ILLUSTRATION: Two full-page miniatures. f. 2v,Immaculate Conception of Mary with the Virgin, full length, her hands clasped in prayer, in blue robes with a star above her head, standing on a crescent moon with cherubs, in a beautiful garden and with symbols from the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary; f. 3, Coat of arms of the family of Juan de Nurueña y Alava, incorporating the Alava arms on the right. PROVENANCE: Issued by the Real Audiencia y Chancillería de Valladolid for Juan de Nurueña y Alava of Tordelrábano and Hita, Spain on May 28, 1622. On f. 4v, the beginning of the case is stated as May 23, 1620; original flyleaf, f. i, early notes and two signatures in ink, "Manuel …"; "Luis Fernando"; modern owner's annotation in pencil, inside front cover, "456-TEO." CONDITION: some cockling to the leaves near the beginning and end, slight cracking along the top and bottom of the joints, upper cover, otherwise excellent condition. Full description and images available. (TM 1240) (Inventory #: TM 1238)