Executoria de Hidalguía; Spain, 1681.

Ejecutoria de Hidalguía; Spain, 1681.
Illuminated parchment and leather binding.
Measurements: 31,5 x 21,5 cm.
Executoria granted to Cosme Ursúa de Maya de Villamediana (Logroño) in Valladolid, on May 9, 1681. The piece has a leather binding with engraved and gilt decoration, with original lead seal (with wear).
One page with a family tree, another with a coat of arms framed with a border of cameos and military trophies, another with the Virgin of Pilar framed as if it were an altarpiece with upper cartouche, another with a representation of a court with seven characters and lower cartouche, another with capital "D" and a page with the image of King Carlos II inside the Alcazar of Madrid inspired by portraits of the monarch dated between 1673 and 1675. All pages are stamped with the royal seal. Numerous capital letters. Total pages: 284.
The "ejecutoria de hidalguía" is the judicial document that contains the information about 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.