Description
This exceedingly rare and historically important original antique c.1656 royal manuscript decree was hand-signed “Ferdinand” by Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III and features the imperial wax seal of the Holy Roman Empire, complete with crown and coat of arms. This broadside proclamation, written on laid paper, measures approximately 20.0 inches by 15.5 inches and remains in fine condition, preserving its authenticity and museum-quality significance. The decree serves as a powerful reminder of Ferdinand III’s authority and the duties of his subjects, reinforcing loyalty, obedience, and adherence to imperial commands.
The document emphasizes the importance of unity and obedience across all levels of society, instructing officials and subjects to comply with imperial decrees and immediately halt any actions or individuals acting against the Emperor’s authority. It underscores the sworn duty of subjects to uphold the laws and commands of the empire and the Emperor’s right to take swift action against disloyalty or insubordination. Such decrees were instrumental in maintaining order during a period of political and religious upheaval following the Thirty Years' War.
The full translation of the decree reads:
*"We, Ferdinand the Third, by the Grace of God, elected Roman Emperor, forever augmenter of the realm in Germany, King of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Slavonia, etc., Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, and Württemberg, Count of Tyrol and Gorizia, etc., send greetings and instructions to all and each of our designated spiritual and secular authorities, officials, and estates, as well as to their descendants, especially to those belonging to our noble family and other noble estates, respected and honorable people, and to all and each of our loyal subjects, regardless of their dignity, status, or name, and regardless of which estate or occupation they belong to.
For a unified loyalty, obedience, as well as a dutiful warning against unlawful misguidance to cause harm, to be addressed immediately in accordance with lawful judgment and the command of His Majesty, etc., that everyone fully submits to His Royal Majesty's decrees and regulations and remains diligent and attentive, thereby complying with all necessary or favorably summoned orders as expected from all noble, pious, and loyal subjects in accordance with His Majesty’s gracious mandate.
In such a manner, those devoted to Us and Our Empire shall adhere to all loyal obedience, and should any actions arise against Us and Our royal rights, they shall consider such events and immediately halt them, as well as detain the perpetrators before Us, fully carrying out all subordinate duties with utmost respect, so that loyalty to Us is maintained perpetually.
In particular, it is essential to note that everyone here should be bound by oath and duty in such a manner and be found in loyalty. Therefore, this Imperial Privilege is faithfully entrusted to all, together with the encouragement of conscientious loyalty and recommendations to prevent any concerns, thus given by Our Imperial Majesty's own hand.
By the command of His Sacred Imperial Majesty himself."
Signature: [FERDINAND]
Ferdinand III (1608–1657), who ascended the throne during the final decade of the Thirty Years' War, is remembered for his efforts to restore stability to a fragmented Europe. A more pragmatic ruler than his predecessors, Ferdinand sought to end the war swiftly by adopting lenient policies and compromises, contributing to the eventual Peace of Westphalia in 1648. While the war weakened his authority within the Holy Roman Empire, Ferdinand retained strong control over his hereditary lands in Bohemia, Hungary, and Austria, strengthening Habsburg influence in these regions.
As the first Habsburg monarch recognized as a composer, Ferdinand also left a cultural legacy that reflected his personal interests. This decree is not only a testament to his imperial governance but also an extraordinary artifact that bridges the historical, political, and cultural legacy of the Habsburg dynasty during one of Europe’s most tumultuous periods. Its exceptional preservation and direct connection to Emperor Ferdinand III make it a unique and invaluable addition to any collection of royal documents, European history, or Habsburg memorabilia.
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