Bauman Rare Books Early 2020 Online Catalogue

H I S T O R Y , P H I L O S O P H Y & R E L I G I O N B A U M A N R A R E B O O K S • E A R L Y 2 0 2 0 O N L I N E 212 ©2020 Bauman Rare Books www.baumanrarebooks.com 1-800-97-BAUMAN (1-800-972-2862) Rare Intact 15th- Century Wax Bishop’s Seal, Belonging To The Bishop Of Dol In France, Alain De Coëtivy (CATHOLIC CHURCH). Original medieval wax bishop’s seal. France, mid 15th century. Original vesica-shaped wax seal, measuring 3 by 4-3/4 inches, with attached cord, custom oval full morocco box. $3200. View on Website Exceptional original wax seal used by the 15th-century Bishop of Dol in France for authentication, handsomely boxed. Ecclesiastical seals emerged in the beginning of the Christian era. Adopted by clerics to mimic the seals used by the wealthy and notable, ecclesiastical seals often authenticated important documents. By the 9th century, seals had become a standard means of authentication and their absence was cast in a negative light. For example, Pope Nicholas I complained about receiving unsealed letters. This seal was used by the Bishop of Dol in France, Alain de Coëtivy. Serving as legate of Pope Callistus III, the Bishop of Dol was charged with instructing Charles VIII to carry out a crusade meant to assist the Greeks against the Turks who were besieging Constantinople. Only slight chipping. Wax seals such as this one are quite fragile and rarely found intact.