ORDER OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. Manuscript from the... Lot 49

ORDER OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. Manuscript from the middle of the 16th century [ca. 1550], in French. 146 pages. In-folio, ½ vellum, title-piece (19th century binding, jaws largely split). Angular staining affecting the last leaves. Precious 16th century manuscript on the most prestigious order of chivalry, defined as a confraternity aiming to defend the Christian faith and chivalry. Divided into four parts: 1- Statutes of the order founded in Bruges by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, "on the xth day of January lan de nre Sr mil iiic xxix [1430] which was the day of the marriage of us and nre tres chere compaigne Elisabeth [Isabelle of Portugal] in nre city of Bruges". This legal text, which takes the form of a letter patent or an ordinance, regulates the aims of the order, its discipline, the number of its knights, the method of their election, the ceremonies of the order and even the method of devolution of its grand mastery. The first 36 pages are divided into 67 articles. 2- Then come the modifications made in 1433, during the 3rd chapter held at the Sainte-Chapelle in Dijon, in particular concerning the number of knights. "Cy apres sensuyt le changement que vist linstitution de Lordre du Thoison dor [...]". 11 articles (pp. 37-45). 3- The ordinances, set out in 28 articles, take the form of a simple instruction setting out the duties of the officers of the order. They occupy pages 46 to 60. 4- Finally, from pages 61 to 146, come the minutes of the various assemblies, between 1439 [1440] and 1545 [1546], where essentially appear the lists of the "trespassed knights" and the "chevaliers esleuz". The assemblies - or chapters - frequent at the beginning, became more and more spaced out. Fifteen years had passed since the last chapter in Tournai in 1531, so the one in Utrecht, held in 1546, was of particular importance. Charles V made important changes, which are recorded here in 66 articles on pages 111 to 146: "Ceremonies of the very distinguished Order of the Golden Throne ordered by Emperor Charles V [Charles V] of this name King of the Spains Archduke of Austria Duke of Bougoingne, head and sovereign of the said Order in the year one thousand five hundred and fifty-five [1546] at the chapel held by him in his city of Utrecht. The present manuscript is contemporary with the holding of this last chapter. The next one was held in Antwerp in 1556.