Bidspirit auction | Philip II of Spain Signed

Philip II of Spain Signed Manuscript Royal Decree and P. Piquet Engraving - Philip II (Spanish, 1527-1598) and P. Piquet (French, 19th Century). Signed manuscript royal decree on paper and engraving, 1574. The archival presentation includes a primary manuscript document dated May 2, 1574, alongside a smaller manuscript address fragment and a full-length portrait engraving of the monarch in courtly attire. The manuscript is signed at the bottom center in brown ink Yo El Rey with a secretary signature reading Juan de B and is inscribed VI. at the upper left corner. The engraving is signed P. Piquet in the plate at the lower right. The items are housed in a triple-window tan mat within a molded gilt-wood frame. Sight: 11 1/2 x 7 3/4 in. Frame: 17 1/2 x 20 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.