Clement VIII, Pope

2pp., folio (198 x 263 mm) in Italian, integral autograph address panel, red wax seal. Creases where previously folded, browning to paper from ink, some light foxing, two small holes to first page resulting from ink stains. [With]: 4pp. manuscript translation into English. 

Freeman, lot 7, 16 December, 1993.

2pp., folio (198 x 263 mm) in Italian, integral autograph address panel, red wax seal. Creases where previously folded, browning to paper from ink, some light foxing, two small holes to first page resulting from ink stains. [With]: 4pp. manuscript translation into English.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Pope Clement VIII writes warmly to Henri IV, touching upon state matters, including relations with the Ottoman Empire, the introduction of his new nuncio, and rejoicing in the changed political climate since the death of Queen Catherine de Medici, mother of Henri IV's first wife, Marguerite de Valois. Pope Clement closes the letter with the Apostolic blessing. Catherine de Medici had arranged for the protestant Henri III of Bourbon to marry her youngest daughter Marguerite, in an attempt to unite Valois and Bourbon interests. Their marriage produced no children, and was annulled in 1599. Their wedding day was marked by the bloody massacre of Saint Barthélemy, in which several thousands of protestants who had come to Paris to witness the marriage were massacred by a Catholic mob. Henri only avoided death with the help of his new wife, and the promise to convert to Catholicism.

Translated, in part: "Most dear son in Christ, greetings, and the Apostolic blessing. Your most Christian majesty will have noted well how the face of things has been changed, God be praised, since the death of that perverse Queen..."

Clement absolved Henri in 1595, bringing an end to thirty years of religious wars in France. Henri later helped secure the Pope's position in Spain, and Clement assisted in bringing about a peace treaty between France and Spain; the two remained friends. In the letter's postscript, the Pope begs forgiveness for his shaky handwriting, owing to pain in his hand [from gout].