Beschreibung:

CHARLES V (Holy Roman Emperor, 1519-1556, King of Spain from 1516). Letter signed ('Carolus') to Antoniotto Adorno, Doge of Genoa, Toledo, 15 August 1525, in Spanish , acknowledging a letter and referring to the account by the Doge's envoy, Martin Centurion, of the spread of plague in his city, mentioning four carrachos (vessels built at Genoa) which have been received, referring to an order for salt for Milan and declaring that all that concerns the public good in that city will give him pleasure, also expressing gratitude for some (?) Corsican horses and charging him to send the rest when opportune - with those that he has he is already able to hunt, 'los cavallos corços que nos emrays os agradecemos muchos delos otros os quedara a cos el cargo de enbiarlos quando hovere sazon. Plazer nos hareys que no os descaydeys dellos ... que con los que agora viene nos podromos servir en la caca', 1½ pages, folio (320 x 210mm) , counter signature at foot, integral address leaf. Sir Bryan TUKE (d.1545). Letter signed to Antoniotto Adorno, n.p., 17 July 1524, in French , submitting to the Doge's judgement the case of a cargo of woollens carried on an English ship, seized by Moorish pirates, then recovered and impounded by the Genoese, 27 lines written on vellum, one membrane, 330 x 54mm. , strapwork first letter 'A', traces of red wax seal (a few small stains). RUDOLPH II (Holy Roman Emperor, 1576-1612). Letter signed to Hieronymus Adorno, Prague, 4 April 1584, in Latin , announcing the appointment of three Commissioners, Peter Costaccario, Bishop of Aquileia, Caspar, Count of Lodrono and Bartholomeus Beccaria, whom Adorno is to treat as the Emperor's representatives, 1½ pages, folio (320 x 210mm) , countersignatures, integral address leaf, papered seal (worn at centre fold and in margins). The family of Adorno was of the Genoese nobility, and several members were elected Doge. Antoniotto was the most illustrious, known for his justice and valour. After the Battle of Pavia in February 1525 the captive Francis I (King of France) was placed in his care and sent to Madrid. Antoniotto is said to have fulfilled his duty to Charles V in spite of dire threats of retribution against his family by the French King, and the Emperor's letter is dated three days after Francis's arrival in Spain, which may partly account for its warmth. The letter also reports the arrival of Antoniotto's son, Cesar, who is most welcome at the Imperial Court. Sir Bryan Tuke was Henry VIII's French Secretary, Clerk to Parliament and Treasurer of the Royal Household. His eminence was such that he was reportedly painted by Holbein six times. Henry VIII himself also wrote to Antoniotto in July 1524, commending to his good offices the same case of the cargo of woollens, and referring to Tuke. (3)