Medieval Papal Bull In Lead By Pope Innocent IV (1243-1254) 13th Century, Exceptional Condition

Rare and authentic 13th-century medieval papal bull in lead, issued under the pontificate of Pope Innocent IV (1243-1254), born Sinibaldo de Fieschi.

This bulla presents a quite exceptional state of preservation, remarkable for this type of object. Unlike the vast majority of known examples, generally derived from archaeological finds, this one comes directly from its original document, having thus benefited from optimal conservation conditions over the centuries. It also retains its original through-cord, a particularly sought-after and rarely preserved feature.

The obverse features effigies of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, accompanied by the legend "SPASPE" (Sanctus Paulus, Sanctus Petrus). Each figure is finely surrounded by a grenetis, the whole itself encircled by a peripheral grenetis.

The reverse bears the inscription "INNO-CENTIVS PP IIII", designating Innocent IV, Pater Patriae, the fourth of the name. This inscription is also framed by a regular grenetis.

Innocent IV's pontificate was marked by his conflicts with Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, which forced him to leave Rome in 1244 to take refuge successively in Genoa and then Lyon, where he convened the Council of 1245 that led to the deposition of the emperor. He did not return to Rome until 1253, before passing away in Naples in 1254.

Provenance: acquired from a Dutch antique dealer; from an old collection in Avignon.

A first-rate historical object, this bulla is a rare testimony to medieval papal power and 13th-century papal diplomacy. Copies in such condition are extremely rare on the market, most of them being held in public or archival collections.

At the time of its publication, this bulla was one of the most important items on the market.

Dimensions: diameter 37 mm; thickness 4.5 mm

Price without shipping costs

Police Register Ref: A032

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