Early 15th C. Latin ADS by Milanese Civic & Religious Leader Bertramo de Pagani

A 1p autograph document in Latin signed by Bertramo de Pagani, the Vicar Podesta of Milan, at bottom left. June 6, 1425. N.p. but probably Milan, present-day Italy. Beautifully inscribed on a large leaf of laid paper. Docketed in Italian verso. Expected wear including flattened folds and wrinkles, chipped or uneven edges, and isolated stains and edge darkening, else near fine. 11.25" x 16.25." Untranslated, but accompanied by a previous catalog description and a former collector's notes.

The document communicates the verdict of Vicar Podesta Bertramo de Pagani concerning a maritime rights case. Litigants included Stefano and Gianni Frelli Gambalcita on the one part, and the Marchioness de Binago and Lorenzo Sevico, her husband, on the other part. Specifically at issue was the ability/permissibility of bridging canals.

Bertramo de Pagani served as the Vicar Podesta of Milan. This role combined secular and ecclesiastical power in one omnipotent functionary: a podesta served as the representative of the local lord or prince, and was considered the highest ranking civil servant in the Northern Italian city-states during the Middle Ages; while a vicar carried the prestige of the Roman Catholic Church. De Pagani also served as nuncio of the pope, probably Pope Martin V (1369-1431) at this time, and in that way functioned as an ecclesiastical envoy representing the Holy See. As such, Bertramo de Pagani would have wielded tremendous power, and would have been authorized to arbitrate such a civil dispute.

The document is rich in detail and dates from an incredibly fraught time period in Milanese history, both domestically and at large within the region. Two rival factions in Milan, the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, had been jockeying for political control for decades. In 1395, a pro-Ghibelline faction led by the Visconti Family had ascended to power and established Milan as a duchy formally composed of 26 towns. The Duke of Milan whom Bertramo de Pagani most likely served as podesta was Filippo Maria Visconti (1392-1447), who ruled Milan from 1412-1447. Perhaps because of the reestablishment of internal stability within the duchy, the Milanese became restless after 1423. Milanese territorial aggression sparked the Wars of Lombardy between Milan and Venice and their respective allies. It lasted over 30 years.

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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