A Monogramista A DOCUMENT FOR THE GRANTING OF THE PRIVILEGE BY MARIA THERESA

1778
Parchment, seal wax, wooden case
40,5 x 71 cm (h x w)

A unique document written on parchment and signed by Empress Maria Theresa in 1778 gives the privilege to Johann Becher to run a pharmacy in Karlovy Vary, where Becher produced and sold liqueur - at that time known as pharmacy caps - later known as Becherovka (1807). The document bears the imperial seal with an Austrian eagle tied to the document. The document, translated into English, reads, among other things: '...Johann Becher has been most graciously granted permission to run the pharmacy bought from his mother in Emperor Karl's Vary himself, or as a matter of privilege, and that no other pharmacy may be set up there as a result, provided, however, that the said pharmacy is kept in perfect condition, that it is supplied with good medicines for ever and that it is subjected to the usual supervision.' Together with the signature of Empress Maria Theresa, authenticated by Leopold Kaspar Count Clary Aldrigen, by personal order of the Sacred Imperial Majesty Karl Anton von Hartini. The charter comes from the Prague collection.