Bidspirit auction | Ferdinand II of Aragon Signed

Ferdinand II of Aragon Signed Manuscript and Raffaello Morghen Portrait Engraving - Ferdinand II of Aragon (Spanish, 1452-1516). Manuscript letter signed in ink on paper, and Raffaello Morghen (Italian, 1758-1833), circular portrait engraving. The document is a single-page letter in archaic Spanish featuring the royal sign-manual signature ”Yo el Rey” accompanied by a large calligraphic rubric. The letter is countersigned by royal secretary Lope Conchillos with the secretarial signature ”por mandado de su alteza” and a decorative rubric. Mounted above the document is a circular engraving of King Ferdinand the Catholic in profile. The assembly is housed in a vertical frame with a window on the verso revealing the reverse of the manuscript which displays a cross symbol and a handwritten address to the Lord of the Infantazgo. Marked Morghen inc. in the engraving plate and signed Yo el Rey and Lope conchillos on the document. Sight: 10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in. Frame: 22 1/2 x 14 1/4 in. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.