Titian--Philip II, King of Spain

confirming his annual pension for his services to Philip and his predecessor Charles V of 200 scudi [originally granted by Charles to Titian in 1548] and that it will be paid not just for his lifetime but will also pass to his son Orazio on his death, and that it should be drawn in Philip's territory of Milan, counter-signed by Vargas and Herrera, with a summary in Spanish on verso, also a note dated 23 April 1572 in a panel on verso (somewhat faded)

one sheet on vellum (320 x 530mm.), written in brown ink, in an Alfred Morrison collection folder with his notes on acquisition, Madrid, 5 July 1571, creased and stained with a couple of small holes, affecting some text

Benjamin Fillon (1819-1881), Inventaires des autographes et documents historiques réunis par M. Benjamin Fillon (Paris: Charavay Frères, 1878), no. 2098; sold by Étienne Charavay, Paris, 30 May 1882, lot 39, bought by; Alfred Morrison (1821-1897), owner of "the most remarkable collection of historical autographs ever formed by a single private collector in Great Britain" (HMC, Ninth Report), though this document does not appear in the published catalogue of his collection or in the sales of his collection, Sotheby's, 1917-1919

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Titian (c. 1488-1576) was already an old man at the time of this document; shortly after this was issued, he wrote to Philip II to say that he was 95 years old, though Lodovico Dolce stated that he was born in 1490. His son did not live to enjoy his pension as he died within a month of his father, both apparently struck down by the plague in Venice. His brother Pomponio managed to squander all their father's wealth within five years.