Vellum DS, in Old French, signed “Francoys,” one page, 20.25 x 7.25, dated October 11, 1543. The immense cultural advances enjoyed by France during the reign of Francis I (born 1494) had arguably the greatest effect on the nation of any of its ruling sovereigns. This period of the “Father and Restorer of Letters,” as he was called, which lasted from 1515 until his death in 1547, ushered in the nation’s famed intellectual movement, the Renaissance. To speak of Francis I as having marked an era of great significance would understate his colossal influence, and here offered is the penmanship of that singularly important figure. His Majesty carefully signed this untranslated manuscript document, and the King’s brilliant, “Francoys” penning was placed along its left side. The writing remains large, bold, and survives with remarkable potency the age-induced defects that commonly affect such delicate treasures. The leaf itself bears trimming and paper loss at the bottom edge, as well as a bisecting vertical fold and light overall soiling. Several of the small areas of paper loss impose upon just a few words of text, and mounting remnants are visible at the corners. Good condition prevails, however, as the page remains a spectacular medium for such a rare signature. RRAuction COA.
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