Autograph Letter Signed. Beaufort-en-Vallée, September 6 [1532]. Addressed to the Bishop of Auxerre, François II de Dinteville, ambassador to the Pope

Du Bellay, Jean

Published by Beaufort-en-Vallée, 1532

About this Item

Autograph letter. Signed. Address panel, docketing and seal remnants on the verso. 1 folio, written on one side. Scarce autograph letter by Cardinal Jean du Bellay to François II de Dinteville, discussing church matters and the expedition of the bishopric of Paris. In this letter, Cardinal Jean du Bellay (1498?-1560), then newly appointed Bishop of Paris (1532-1551), communicates with François II de Dinteville, Bishop of Auxerre and ambassador to the Papal court. Du Bellay refrains from discussing personal matters, adhering to Dinteville's previous counsel that one should not mix personal and others' affairs in correspondence. Instead, he focuses on the expedition of the bishopric of Paris and the abbey of Saint-Mor, urging Dinteville to expedite the necessary proceedings. He also refers to documents related to the abbey of Aumale (Saint-Martin-d'Auchy). Cardinal Jean du Bellay was a significant figure in 16th-century France, known for his ecclesiastical roles and as a patron of the arts and literature. As Bishop of Paris, he played an important part in the religious and cultural life of the period. Du Bellay was a close associate of King Francis I and maintained an extensive network of correspondents, which included prominent figures like François Rabelais, whom he employed likely as a physician. François II de Dinteville, his correspondent, was also a prominent figure, serving as the French ambassador to the Pope. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and collaboration, with Dinteville often acting as an intermediary in ecclesiastical and diplomatic matters for Du Bellay. Their correspondence reveals the complexity of church politics and the diplomatic nuances of the time. This letter is quoted in Correspondance du Cardinal Jean du Bellay, Volume 1, No. 138, by Scheurer. Du Bellay's letters are important historical documents that offer valuable insights into the relationships between church and state during the Renaissance. They provide a glimpse into the political and religious strategies of the time, as well as the personal connections that influenced broader developments in 16th-century France. In addition, we include an autograph letter by Scheurer, one of the editors of the Correspondance du Cardinal Jean du Bellay, dated 1983, addressed to the owner of the manuscript, discussing the publication (likely referring to another letter). There is also a signed letter by Loris Petris, another editor of the Correspondance, dated 2006, on the same topic. Notably, this manuscript is exceedingly rare; there is no record of any autographs by Cardinal Jean du Bellay appearing in RBH over the past 100 years. Scheurer, Correspondance du Cardinal Jean du Bellay, Volume 1, No. 138. . Traces of folding. Small hole to the lower left margin. Closed cuts to both side edges. Somewhat tanned. Otherwise in fine condition. Autograph letter. Signed. Address panel, docketing and seal remnants on the verso. Seller Inventory # 3294

Bibliographic Details

Title: Autograph Letter Signed. Beaufort-en-Vallée,...

Publisher: Beaufort-en-Vallée

Publication Date: 1532

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition