1788 King of Spain Charles IV Carlos Signed Yo El Rey Royal Spanish Document ES

Description

This exceedingly rare and historically significant original c.1788 Spanish royal manuscript document is hand-signed "Yo El Rey" ("I the King") by King Charles IV of Spain. Written in black gall ink, this four-page document (two leafs) measures approximately 8.25 inches by 11.75 inches and is crafted on laid paper featuring a watermark. It is preserved in fine condition, with its authenticity and museum-quality significance elevating it to a one-of-a-kind artifact.

Charles IV (1748–1819) ascended to the Spanish throne in 1788, ruling during a pivotal and tumultuous era. Initially inheriting a seemingly stable kingdom, his reign was marked by a series of disadvantageous alliances and fiscal challenges brought on by prolonged wars. Charles’s reliance on his first minister, Manuel de Godoy, and his strained relationship with his son and heir, Ferdinand VII, further destabilized his regime. The El Escorial Conspiracy and the Tumult of Aranjuez in 1808 led to Charles’s forced abdication in favor of Ferdinand. Shortly thereafter, under pressure from Napoleon Bonaparte, both Charles and Ferdinand abdicated, enabling Napoleon to install his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as King of Spain. This marked a turning point in Spanish history, contributing to the Peninsular War and the decline of Spain’s global influence.

This manuscript, bearing the royal phrase "Yo El Rey", symbolizes the personal authority of the monarch and the centralized power of the Spanish Crown during this era. The phrase itself was a hallmark of official royal decrees and reflects the grandeur of Spain’s imperial governance. The document’s elegant script, laid paper construction, and watermark add to its authenticity and historical value.

As an artifact, the document provides a tangible connection to the administrative workings of 18th-century Spain and the challenges faced by Charles IV during his troubled reign. Its impeccable preservation and direct association with one of Spain’s most complex historical figures make it an extraordinary addition to any collection of royal manuscripts or European history. This manuscript stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Spanish monarchy and the profound political shifts that defined Charles IV’s reign.