Rudolf II | Large illuminated document, signed by Rudolf and Faustus Verancsics, Prague, 1587

Rudolf II

Large illuminated document, on vellum, granting arms to Melchior Mikunda, dated Prague, 2 December 1587, and signed by Rudolf, Peter Heresinczy (bishop of Győr and chancellor of the Kingdom of Hungary) and Faustus Verancsics

560 x 730mm., manuscript on vellum, written in gold, blue and brown ink, the main heading "Nos Rudolphus" in gold with large decorative initials, decorative arabesque cartouches and large illuminated armorial of Mikunda at start of text, folded twice in each direction, and with manuscript record of the public proclamation of the document in 1595 by the notary of the county on verso, coloured string threaded through two slits for the large red wax seal of Rudolf within a yellow wax surround (now detached), and later manuscript note on verso "Mikunda Melchioris Armales N^ro 12 1587", some rubbing along folds, occasional light staining, somewhat soiled on verso, a few very small wormholes; wax seal defective

A large and decorative document issued by Rudolf II, granting arms to Melchior Mikunda.

The document is signed by the Chancellor of Hungary, Peter Heresinzcy, and the Croatian mathematician Faustus Verancsis (Fausto Veranzio), who had accompanied Rudolf when he moved his court to Prague in 1583. Verancsis (c. 1551-1617) studied at Padua before joining the court of Rudolf.