Erzherzog Ernst von Österreich - Fürsprache für einen invaliden kaiserlichen Diener - 1588

A remarkable Habsburg advocacy and administrative letter from the late 16th century, in which Archduke Ernst of Austria, governor in Vienna and brother of Emperor Rudolf II, personally intervenes on behalf of a physically severely handicapped long-time servant of the Imperial House.

Archduke Ernst of Austria (1553–1595), son of Emperor Maximilian II and Maria of Spain and brother of Emperor Rudolf II. From 1576 to 1593 he was governor in Lower Austria, later governor of the Spanish Netherlands. Vienna, 28 September 1588. Double sheet with both sides written, ca. 31 × 41 cm, with numerous contemporary chancery and registry notes as well as paper-sealed seals. Autograph signature “Ernst,” countersigned by Carl Khisl von Kaltenbrunn; reverse side with presentation note Innsbruck, 11 November 1588.

The subject of the letter is the fate of Peter Fuchsmann, from Gestratz in the Allgäu, who had served the House of Austria since his youth and worked as a shoemaker at the imperial Hofkanzlei in Vienna. After the death of his parents in Eglofs, he had received a small inheritance. According to the law then in force, however, in the succession from a territory whose subjects were subject to serfdom, a substantial portion of the estate could be withheld by the competent authorities as so-called “deduction.”

Archduke Ernst vigorously advocates for Fuchsmann. He refers to his long years of faithful service and, in particular, to his severe physical impairment: the man is so incapacitated by his injuries that he is “gar schwärhörig” and a “poor wretch” who cannot support himself by his own strength. Therefore Ferdinand II is asked to press the respective Allgäu authorities to refrain completely from the deduction and to pay out Fuchsmann’s inheritance unimpeded. Ernst ties his request to the courtly promise to show his kindness for a cause of his uncle in appropriate circumstances in Vienna.

A particularly vivid document on Habsburg administrative practice, social and legal history as well as on personal patronage at the end of the 16th century. Noteworthy is the connection of a concrete individual fate with the correspondence of two high-ranking members of the House of Habsburg.

Overall, an attractive and very characterful early modern original document with the usual letter and archive folds, minor tears and gaps at the folds, and age-related wear; the script and signatures clearly preserved.