- 233
Farnese, Alessandro, Duke of Parma.
Description
- Autograph letter to Pope Sixtus V, signed ("Humilisso So et vassallo", Alesso Farnese[paraph]")
- ink on paper
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Alessandro led the Catholic forces in the Spanish Netherlands, where he served Philip II of Spain as Governor from 1578 until his death in 1592. His uncle, also Alessandro Farnese (1520-1589), whom our Alessandro here urges the Pope to replace as cardinal with his own son, was the great collector of Roman antiquities, who features in Titian's celebrated portrait of Pope Paul III with his two grandsons. Odoardo was duly made cardinal in 1591, but only after the deaths of both cardinal and pope.
"hora mi trovo sull' Reno per finir di servarlo, e giuntamente la villa di Berchen, non havendo potuto così brevemente, como harei desiderato venirne a fine per i mali tempi, per li 'infermita che son corse nell' esercito, e anco perche m'è convenuto stare alla mira di quello, che facevano i nemici di Dio, et rebbelli dell' Re mio sig.re, con la gente che aspettavano di alemagna in assai grosso numero...la supplico di nuovo resti servita non solo di admetter le renuntie che li pensa fare il Cardinale Farnese mi Zio,mà di persuadere al detto Cardinale con l'atorita sua ad abbrevarlo, honorando la persona di mio fig[li]o...