Decree of "Hidalguía"; Spain, 1604.

Decree of "Hidalguía"; Spain, 1604.
Illuminated parchment and leather binding.
Preserves original lead seal.
Measurements: 32 x 22 cm.
Decree granted in favor of Rodrigo García Quijano on February 3, 1604 in Granada. The piece has a leather binding with engraved and gilt decoration, with original lead seal (with wear).
One page with a painting of three male beneficiaries praying before the Virgin and the baby Jesus and flanked by a border with the apostles Saint Mark and Saint George and grotesques. Another page with paintings of Santiago Matamoros and the coat of arms of the beneficiaries framed by a border of military trophies. Another page with capital "P" with a portrait of Philip III inside. Total pages: 88.
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.