S.A. - Atto di Compravendita - 1702

AN UNALTERED fragment of Baroque history - FAMILY LITIGATIONS AND CONTESTED ESTATE
Elegant manuscript on parchment dated March 1702, concerning a deed of sale made between Maria Theresia (Weyl) and Johann Georg Tiegler. The specimen constitutes a significant testimony of the documentary culture of German-speaking Europe at the beginning of the 18th century, when the legal validity of a contract depended not only on its textual content but also on its formal presentation. The imposing calligraphic heading, executed in elaborate ornamental Gothic script, dominates the surface of the sheet and gives the document a strong aesthetic presence. The dense lines of manuscript text attest to the notarial and administrative activity of the era, while the cuts prepared for the hanging seal, now lost, recall its original authentication function. In addition to its historical-legal interest, the document has notable decorative and palaeographic value, representing a well-preserved example of the refined German calligraphic tradition of the early Eighteenth Century.
WHY TO BUY
An intact fragment of Baroque history saved from the oblivion of time, characterized by hypnotic ornamental Gothic handwriting. A palaeographic artwork imbued with the bureaucratic secrets of 18th-century Germany, perfect for elite collectors. It preserves the visual authenticity of an ancient private agreement protected by the enduring durability of parchment.

MARKET VALUE
Manuscript documents on parchment from German-speaking areas of the early 18th century are relatively common, but specimens characterized by large ornamental calligraphic headings and good preservation are more sought after. Particularly decorative copies, with autograph signatures, complete notarial formulations and strong visual impact can reach values between 400 and 800 euros.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Text laid out on numerous lines in brown ink with a wide decorative calligraphic heading in ornamental Gothic script. Present is a handwritten signature and the verso text relating to the accompaniment of the deed. In the lower margin are visible the cuts originally intended for the application of the hanging seal, today not preserved. Parchment with the physiologic creases of ancient archiving, slight undulations and signs of time. Anciently folded. In old documents with a multigenerational history, some imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description.

TITLES & AUTHORS
Deed of sale between Maria Theresia (Weyl) and Johann Georg Tiegler.
German-speaking area, March 1702.
S.A.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
In the Holy Roman Empire the notarial document represented one of the fundamental instruments for regulating economic and patrimonial life. Acts of sale like this certified transfers of goods, property or rights through codified legal formulas recognized by local authorities. Of particular interest is the calligraphic component: the monumental heading serves not only an aesthetic function but immediately identifies the official nature of the document, conferring authority and visibility. These acts are today important sources for the social, economic and genealogical history of Central Europe, allowing reconstruction of family relationships, economic transactions, and administrative practices of the early Eighteenth Century.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE SCRIBE
The actual author of the document is not identified. Acts of this type were generally drafted by notaries, clerks, or professional scribes specialized in producing legal documentation. The quality of the handwriting and the elaborate heading testify to advanced calligraphic training typical of professionals employed in the civil chanceries of the German-speaking area.

HISTORICAL AND DOCUMENTARY CONTEXT
At the beginning of the 18th century parchment continued to be used for documents of particular legal and patrimonial relevance, despite the growing diffusion of paper. Its greater durability guaranteed long-term preservation of the most important acts. The presence of cuts for the hanging seal confirms the official nature of the document and its inclusion in the legal and administrative procedures of the time. Similar specimens are today preserved in civic and state archives of Central Europe and constitute a precious testimony to Baroque legal culture.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Bischoff, Bernhard, Paläographie des römischen Altertums und des abendländischen Mittelalters, Berlin.
Muzerelle, Denis, Vocabulaire codicologique, Paris.
Clemens, Raymond – Graham, Timothy, Introduction to Manuscript Studies, Cornell University Press.
Keller, Hagen, Schriftlichkeit und Lebens praxis im Mittelalter, München.
Staatsarchive deutscher Länder, raccolte di Urkunden pergamenacee dei secoli XVII–XVIII.
Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek, sezioni dedicate a Urkunden e Handschriften.
Österreichisches Staatsarchiv, repertori di atti notarili e documenti patrimoniali dell'età moderna.
Marburger Repertorium Deutschsprachiger Handschriften.
Manuscripta Mediaevalia, database di documenti e manoscritti dell'area germanica.
Cataloghi d'asta Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Reiss & Sohn e Zisska & Schauer relativi a documenti pergamenacei europei dei secoli XVII–XVIII.