Description:

Guicciardini Estates
Florence, Italy, ca. 1298
Medieval 13th Cent. Florence Manuscript Concerning Guicciardini Estates. Truly Remarkable!
Document
Medieval notarial register or legal manuscript, which records multiple property transactions, legal obligations, and family agreements among notable families in 13th and 14th-century Florence, Italy including the Guicciardini's. The rare manuscript details the sale and peaceful possession of properties by Guarnerius and his son Oberto in Saint Martin of Bulliano, binding agreements made by Lady Ferraria and her husband, Lord Guicciardini, concerning their goods and estate, and various legal obligations to uphold these agreements perpetually. It provides significant historical context for understanding the legal and social frameworks of the time, particularly in connection to the Guicciardini family and their role in the broader political and economic landscape of medieval Florence. The historic document measures 45.25" x 28.25."

After tireless research, and coincidentally, the assistance of modern technology and artificial intelligence, we still would recommend any buyers spend adequate time in researching this late medieval document, produced just before the onset of the Renaissance.

A rough translation reads:

"† In the name of God, Amen. In the year of our Lord 1298, in the sixth indiction, on Wednesday, the eighth day of October. I, Guarnerius, son of the late Oberto of Bolizone, who now resides in Saint Martin of Bulliano, hereby confess and acknowledge that all my goods, which I have and possess in the said village of Saint Martin of Bulliano and its territory, are held peacefully and quietly without any dispute. Furthermore, I confess that I have sold [these goods] with the consent and will of my son Oberto, and it is agreed that none of my heirs may revoke or retract this sale. Present as witnesses to this were Peter, son of the late John of Saint Andrew, and Boniface of Castrone. And I, William, the undersigned notary, having been requested, wrote this document with my own hand and rendered it in public form.


And regarding the guarantee and thereafter to hold firm for the obligation and for all their present and future goods, and by their counsel, authority, and in their name, to stand, possess, and confirm the obligation and all their goods, possessions, and counsel, or authority, and any debt that shall have been incurred by the entry into the agreement, to revoke it without any doubt or tradition, to give and fully return the purchase. And indeed, by this sale, gift, and transfer, they are bound to deliver and uphold the purchase of their goods and legally bring it to perfection and unite it, to fulfill the pact and agree, and to the best of their ability defend and confirm it by every means. And to bear all damages and expenses to hold it perpetual and firm. Witnesses to this act were Rainaldo, son of Bonfantino of Marcherondo, and Boncompagnus, the late Bacherini of Castiglione, and Jacopo, son of Bonifacio of Marcherondo. In the year of our Lord one thousand three hundred nine, in the month of October. I, Franciscus de Perugio, notary, wrote and delivered this publicly.


Moreover, Lady Ferraria, daughter of Lord Guicciardini, with the consent and agreement of her husband, Lord Guicciardini, concerning all of their goods described below, by request and in accordance with his advice, made and granted an obligation, and all their successors, relatives, and heirs, fully and expressly in perpetuity.

Therefore, concerning any payment of damages or actions, it does not pay nor is it obligated to pay or perform. Furthermore, she has done all things and will not send nor will she be bound to do so, unless as ordained by all her relatives. All damages and expenses, she shall bear and firmly maintain and preserve all of the above.

She renounces, excepting as stated above, and in the instrument and agreement made, that the contract shall not be annulled or retracted, and on this day of majesty for all the canons in the customary court and jurisdiction and the aforementioned magistrates and in accordance with what is customary and fitting.

Moreover, even Guicciardini, the seller, by his bodily oath. Amen. Guicciardini and all things having been done, it appears and with all agreeing. Furthermore, I, in our own names, take the oath…

Indeed, done on the day at Florence as previously written, and having been called as witnesses: Baldo, son of Lord Salarius of Arosa, and Leca, son of Lord Balius of Perano, who have died; the undersigned witnesses of Saint Andrew: Lapo, son of Lord Feuti of Castrofone; Lapo Geri; Guido, son of Lario; and Bardino, son of …"

Also, later in the same year, in the tenth indiction, on a day in the month of November, this was enacted at the place of Saint Martin of Bulliano: Iammego, son of Oberto of Crispiano; Curto of Savario; and Bono, son of Lucehi of Cerreto or Bonaiuti; Baldis Guicciardini, mentioned as my witnesses, of the community and in public.

I, Amadeus Otterardini, canon of Cerreto Magno, have subscribed the below-written by authority; I have written this publicly as requested, to all those who will die, and so it is read above."


The House of Guicciardini was a prominent noble family in Florence, Italy, known for its significant influence in politics, law, and intellectual life from the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance. The family's rise to prominence began in the 13th century when they established themselves as successful landowners, merchants, and public officials. Their wealth and social standing allowed them to play a vital role in the political and economic affairs of Florence, one of the most powerful city-states of the time.

The Guicciardinis were involved in the governance of Florence through their participation in the Republic's political structures. They held numerous public offices, such as Gonfaloniere di Giustizia (Standard Bearer of Justice), and were key players in the city's shifting alliances and conflicts, particularly during the turbulent periods of factional strife between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Their influence continued to grow through strategic marriages, land acquisitions, and their ability to navigate the complex power dynamics of Florentine society.

The most famous member of the family, Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540), was a distinguished historian, politician, and diplomat, often regarded as one of the greatest historians of Renaissance Italy. His most notable work, The History of Italy (Storia d'Italia), is considered a masterpiece of historical writing that offers a comprehensive and critical analysis of Italian politics and society from 1494 to 1532. Francesco's close association with figures like Niccolò Machiavelli and his involvement in the Medici administration as a trusted advisor to Pope Clement VII further solidified the Guicciardini family's reputation as key political thinkers and actors during the Renaissance.

The Guicciardini family's influence began to wane in the late Renaissance, but their contributions to political theory, historical writing, and governance left a lasting impact on the intellectual and cultural landscape of Italy. Today, the Guicciardinis are remembered as a vital part of Florence's history, representing the complex interplay of power, politics, and intellect that characterized the city during the late medieval and Renaissance periods.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 45.25" x 28.25"
  • Medium: Document

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000