Portugal King Pedro Peter II Signed Autograph Vellum Document Portuguese Royalty

Description

Presenting an extraordinary and rare royal document, meticulously handwritten on parchment vellum, dated September 3, 1684, and boldly signed "El Rey" (The King) by Dom Pedro II of Portugal. This museum-quality manuscript, co-signed by additional notable figures, is an official court document issued in Lisbon. It conveys a land grant or tenancy agreement between King Pedro II, acting as Master of The Order of Christ, and José Tenreiro de Mello. The document, penned in rich black gallic ink, is a testament to the intricate legal and administrative workings of 17th-century Portugal and stands as an invaluable artifact of its time.

Dom Pedro II, nicknamed “The Pacific” for his diplomacy and reformist governance, reigned as King of Portugal from 1683 until his death in 1706. Before his reign, he served as regent for his brother, Afonso VI, navigating Portugal through a period of political turbulence. Under Pedro's rule, Portugal consolidated its independence with the Treaty of Lisbon (1668), ending the Portuguese Restoration War, and strengthened international alliances, notably with England through the Methuen Treaty of 1703. His reign also marked economic modernization, administrative reforms, and the expansion of Portuguese influence in Brazil, laying the groundwork for future prosperity.

This historic document reflects Pedro II’s commitment to strengthening the kingdom through strategic governance, religious authority, and judicious use of royal power. As Master of The Order of Christ, Pedro II exercised authority over lands and properties tied to the Order, reinforcing its role in the kingdom's administration and colonial endeavors. Such documents symbolized both the practicalities of royal governance and the ceremonial grandeur of the Portuguese court.

The document’s rarity and pristine condition enhance its significance as a collector’s treasure and a scholarly artifact. It encapsulates a pivotal moment in Portuguese history, offering profound insights into the legal, social, and geopolitical dynamics of Pedro II’s reign. This one-of-a-kind piece is not merely an artifact; it is a tangible connection to the legacy of a monarch who shaped Portugal’s identity during a transformative era. Whether displayed in a museum or added to an elite collection, this manuscript stands as a beacon of historical importance and royal distinction.