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. Documents from the age of exploration that Peter kept within arm’s reach. Many of the wrecks he dove in Bermuda and the Caribbean were Spanish ships, and he liked to hold paper signed by the monarchs who sent them. Peter wrote about people who went looking for what lay beyond the horizon, and these were a daily spark for the stories. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.