Charles II - Testament et codicille de Charles II, roy d'Espagne - 1701

Charles II (1661-1700). Testament and codicil of Charles II, King of Spain, made on 2 October 1700. The Hague, Jean Henry, 1701, 227 pp.

A volume in-12 (150x90 mm), full calf, spine with raised bands and ornamented (period binding). Wear and rubbing on the boards and spine. Interior fresh, without foxing.

First edition

Will of Charles II designating as his principal heir Philippe d’Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV. This choice aimed to preserve the integrity of the Spanish monarchy by preventing its partition among European powers. Charles II nevertheless imposed a key condition, namely that the crowns of France and Spain must never be united under a single sovereign.

The codicil, added shortly afterwards, clarifies and reinforces certain provisions of the will. It especially emphasizes the validity of the designation of Philippe d’Anjou and seeks to prevent any legal or political challenge. These clarifications show Charles II’s awareness of the international tensions surrounding his succession.

This will directly trigger the War of the Spanish Succession, as several European powers reject the Bourbon solution and support the Austrian candidate, Archduke Charles. The conflict would ultimately lead to Philippe V’s installation on the Spanish throne, but at the cost of a rebalancing of the powers in Europe.