King of Spain, Naples and Sicily (born 1605) from 1621 until his death 1665, and, as Philip III, King of Portugal from 1621 to 1640). Thanks to the presence of Velazquez at his court, Philip, also a patron of Rubens and Cano, was destined to become one of the most frequently portrayed monarchs in the history of art. Manuscript DS, in Spanish, signed “Yo el Rey [I the King],” one page, 8 x 11.5, April 27, 1654. A decree to don Francisco Ramirez de Haro, Chief Warden of the Marquis de Santa Cruz, regarding the continued imprisonment of the Marquis. In part (translated): “Because of the illness of your wife, I have ordered that you be allowed (and with this Royal Dispatch you are authorized) to go and remain in Madrid until the 10th of the coming May, with the stipulation that the Marquis be left in the same state of imprisonment as he is now, and it is always your responsibility, and that you be advised thereof, and having been so, you may use this provision with the aforementioned proviso….” Though the specific offense of the Marquis [whose given name was Don Alvaro de Bazan] is not noted, he was a descendant of Admiral Santa Cruz, the naval advisor of Philip II who is credited with conceiving the plan for the Spanish Armada. Mild handling wear, otherwise very fine, bright condition. R&R COA.
