1488 Papal Bull & Lead Seal from Renaissance "Bad" Pope, Innocent VIII

1p of vellum, measuring 22.75" x 12.25" (with a folded lower margin), Rome, dated 1488. A papal bull from the papacy of Innocent VIII. Written in Latin and untranslated. With flourishes at the left margin. With a papal lead seal attached at the lower margin with a thin rope strand. The lead seal measures 1.5" x 1.25", with the heads of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul depicted on one side, and the Pope’s name in Latin, "INNO CENTIUS PPVII", on the other side. The document has flattened folds with slightly stiff creases. Light toning, soiling, and foxing throughout, with further, uneven toning on verso. Small pin holes at the edges. Bold and clear text and signatures. Minor rubbing and wear to the seal, overall very fine condition.

Pope Innocent VIII was born in Genoa in 1432 and elected Pope on August 29, 1484. Contrary to his name, he had several controversies throughout his life. Before entering the priesthood, he had two illegitimate children, and during his Papacy, he saw the fall of Granada (1491), bribery, slavery, and hysteria over witchcraft. Constantly confronted with a depleted treasury, Innocent VIII frequently created new positions around him and auctioned them to the highest bidder. He died on July 25, 1492, just seven days before the departure of Christopher Columbus on his first voyage across the Atlantic.

Papal bulls were originally issued by popes for various reasons of public communication, but after the fifteenth century C.E., they were only issued for the most formal or solemn of occasions. Papal lead seals, also known as bollas or bullas, were made and used by the Vatican State to verify the authenticity of the document. The seal was attached to an official vellum church document by cords made of hemp or silk that were looped through slits in the document.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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