Ejecutoria de Hidalguía; Spain, 1624. Illuminated... Lot 1

Ejecutoria de Hidalguía; Spain, 1624. Illuminated parchment and leather binding. Preserves original lead seal. Measurements: 32 x 23 cm. Executoria granted to Juan de Ureña, neighbor of the town of La Calzada, on March 27, 1624 in Granada. The piece has a leather binding with engraved and gilt decoration, with original lead seal (with wear). One page with praying family portrait and cartouches with names and surnames before a Crucifixion and border with gilt background with phytomorphic decorations and cartouches; another page with the coat of arms of the Ureña family; others with capitals "R" and "A" and one with capital "P" framing a portrait of King Philip III. Other capital letters are illuminated. Total pages: 134. The "ejecutoria de hidalguía" is the judicial document that contains the information on the lawsuit and the sentence by virtue of which the condition of hidalgo is recognized to a person. To be hidalgo means to be recognized as noble and to be part of the non-titled nobility. In addition to social prestige, the recognition of hidalguía brought fiscal advantages and economic benefits, as they were exempt from the payment of certain taxes and tributes.