[UNIVERSITY OF PADUA]. Doctoral diploma in utroque iure gran...

[UNIVERSITY OF PADUA]. Doctoral diploma in utroque iure granted to Girolamo Cavallo of Verona. Padua, 17 October 1554.
Splendid doctoral diploma from the University of Padua, entirely calligraphed in gold and richly illuminated, conferring upon Girolamo Cavallo of Verona the degree of Doctor in utroque iure, under the auspices of Gherardo Busdraghi (1500-1562), Vicar General of the Bishop of Padua. In the sixteenth century, the doctorate represented the highest academic degree in legal studies, conferring the privilege of teaching at the principal European universities as well as providing an essential qualification for access to the highest civil and ecclesiastical offices. Reflecting the prestige of the degree, the diploma bears the signatures of numerous professors and doctors of the University of Padua. Particularly noteworthy is that of the promoter Marco Mantova Benavides (1489-1582), one of the most distinguished jurists of the Italian Renaissance, professor of law, collector and patron of the arts. A scholar of international renown, his pupils included Giovan Angelo Medici, the future Pope Pius IV, Cardinal Antonio Carafa and Cristoforo Madruzzo, Prince-Bishop of Trent. Appointed an auditor of the Sacra Rota by Pope Paul III, he was also granted the title of Count Palatine by Emperor Charles V.

Vellum document (615 × 800 mm), entirely calligraphed in gold and richly illuminated in gold and colours. Elaborate foliate border along the left margin incorporating an allegorical figure of Justice supporting the coat of arms of Girolamo Cavallo; autograph signatures of Gherardo Busdraghi and Lodovicus (? surname illegible). Loss to the upper left corner affecting the illuminated border; some staining. (1)