Showing posts with label Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

H. E. Friis on Kristina's departure from Innsbruck and the Tyrol

Source:

Dronning Christina af Sverrig 1626-1689, pages 102 to 104, published by H. E. Friis, 1896; original at Harvard University


The account:

Den 8de Novbr. vilde Dronning Christina rejse; om Formiddagen kom Ærkehertugerne og Ærkehertuginde Anna for at gøre en formal Afskedsvisit. Dronning Christina fortsatte Rejsen til Hest, og Ærkehertug Ferdinand Carl fulgte hende til Landsbyen Schönberg, hvor der efter mange gensidige Komplimenter og Taksigelser toges Afsked, og hun drog med de attacherede ærkehertugelige Herrer og sit Følge videre mod Syd.

Hoffet i Innsbruck havde ikke alene sørget for alt, medens Dronning Christina opholdt sig i selve Innsbruck, men det sørgede fremdeles for, at hendes Vinterrejse til Tyrols sydlige Grænse kunde ske med saa megen Bekvemmelighed og stor Anstand som muligt. Der blev i den Anledning skrevet til alle Myndigheder sydpaa, ligesom der forhen var skrevet til dem nordpaa. Til Biskoppen af Trient udgik der saaledes Tilhold om «at lade tilsé og udbedre Vejene, saaledes at Hds. Kgl. Majestæt af Sverrig med sin Hofstat og sit Følge kunde rejse igennem Tyrol uden Ubekvemmelighed og Fare for Liv og Lemmer.» I den lille By Ala — den sidste By indenfor Tyrols Grænser —, hvor der ikke forefandtes fornødne Lokaliteter, lod Ærkehertugen sin Adjutant Spaur indrette et Hofkøkken samt samle Viktualier og andre Nødvendighedsartikler; desforuden skulde Adjutanten sørge for Værelsernes Udstyrelse og Bekvemmelighed, saa at der ikke — som der stod i Instruksen, «var Manquements der, ligesom tidligere passeret.»

En saadan Skrivelse udgik til alle ærkehertugelige Embedsmænd om at bistaa Kassemesteren v. Yngramb, som for ærkehertugelig Regning skulde betale alt, saaledes at Dronning Christina af Sverrigs Ophold ikke kostede hende noget, og at den ærkehertugelige Reputation kunde blive konserveret.

Toldofficianterne i Branzoll, som ligger ved Etschfloden, fik Ordre til i Pramme at lade skibe ned ad Floden Dronning Christinas Bagage, som, pakket i 22 Vogne, snart vilde komme til Branzoll.

Alle de Sølvservicegenstande, som Biskopperne af Brixen og Trient havde utlaant til Festdagene i Innsbruck, bleve uopholdeligt sendte tilbage for atter at gøre Tjeneste, ifald Dronning Christina muligen kom til alle de Stæder i Tyrol, som laa paa hendes Vej til Italien. Til Borgmesteren i Brixen — som havde overværet Dronning Christinas Indtog i Innsbruck — skrev Fyrst-Biskoppen af Brixen, at han skulde søge at faa Audients hos Dronning Christina og indbyde hende til at tage Bopæl i den biskoppelige Borg i Brixen paa Gennemrejsen, men, føjer den forsigtige Kirkefyrste lunt til i en Efterskrift: «Jeg skal frit beværte Dronningen, hendes Damer og medfølgende Kavalerer; men de øvrige medrejsende maa selv betale for sig i Gæstgiverstederne, hvor der baade skal blive sørget for, at der er Plads, og at det fornødne til Gæsternes Underhold og Bekvemmelighed skal være til Stede til gangbare Priser.»

Det første Nattekvarter, efter at Dronning Christina og Følge havde forladt Innsbruck, blev taget i Byen Matrey. Her mødte Morgenen efter Ærkehertugens tjenstgørende Adjutant, udsendt fra Innsbruck, for at ønske Dronningen en pyntelig God Morgen samt høre, hvorledes Hendes Majestæt havde sovet. Dronning Christina gengældte denne Artighed ved at sende sin Vicestaldmester, von Lilliencron, ind til Innsbruck for at formelde de ærkehertugelige Højheder hendes Højagtelse og Respekt. Senere paa Dagen tog Dronning Christina af Sted ad Brixen til for det at være til Gæst hos Fyrstbiskop Anton. Denne kom hende imøde undervejs i Byen Vahrn, hvor han holdt en latinsk Velkomsttale til hende, og derfra ledsagede han hende til den fyrstbiskoppelige Bolig i Brixen; derfra rejste hun næste Dag til Botzen, hvor der saa blev holdt Rast en hel Dag. Derfra gik Turen over Neumarkt og Lavis for at besøge Fyrstbiskoppen i Trient. I Domkirken der i Byen hørte Dronning Christina en Messe, og i Kirken St. Maria i samme By var der et fortræffeligt Orgel, paa hvilket der blev spillet til Ære for den høje Gæst. Den 16de Novbr. kom Dronning Christina til Ala, den sidste By paa tyrolsk Grund, hvor Ærkehertugen, som sagt, forud havde ladet alt indrette til den kongelige Gæsts Modtagelse; her toges det sidste Nattekvarter i Tyrol.

Næste Dag, efter Middagstaflet, brød Dronning Christina op fra Ala. Forinden meldte Ærkehertugens Kommissarius, Friherre von Freiberg, sig til Afsked. Han havde uafbrudt ledsaget Dronning Christina paa hele Rejsen igennem Tyrol, fra Scharnitz til Ala. Nu ansaa han derfor sit Hverv for endt og vilde vende tilbage til Innsbruck, da Dronningen stod i Begreb med at forlade Tyrol. Dronning Christina takkede ham, gav ham derpaa nogle Breve til Besørgelse i Tyrol og bød ham at hilse hjemme, samt rakte dernæst sin Haand ud til Kys.

Som en ubehagelig Eftersmag af dette Dronning Christinas tyrolske Besøg, hvor al mulig Komfort, Glans og Pragt var udfoldet, var det, at der nu bagefter gjorde sig en svær Ebbe gældende i den ærkehertugelig-tyrolske Kasse, hvilken allerede forud ikke var videre godt beslaaet med Mønt. Der blev senere optaget et saa stort Laan som muligt for at bestride de glubende Udgifter, som dette kongelige Ophold og Besøg havde medført.

With modernised spelling:

Den 8. november ville dronning Kristina rejse; om formiddagen kom ærkehertugerne og ærkehertuginde Anna for at gøre en formal afskedsvisit. Dronning Kristina fortsatte rejsen til hest, og ærkehertug Ferdinand Karl fulgte hende til landsbyen Schönberg, hvor der efter mange gensidige komplimenter og taksigelser toges afsked, og hun drog med de attacherede ærkehertugelige herrer og sit følge videre mod syd.

Hoffet i Innsbruck havde ikke alene sørget for alt, medens dronning Kristina opholdt sig i selve Innsbruck, men det sørgede fremdeles for, at hendes vinterrejse til Tyrols sydlige grænse kunne ske med så megen bekvemmelighed og stor anstand som muligt. Der blev i den anledning skrevet til alle myndigheder sydpå, ligesom der forhen var skrevet til dem nordpå. Til biskoppen af Trient udgik der således tilhold om «at lade tilse og udbedre vejene, således at Hendes Kongelige Majestæt af Sverige med sin hofstat og sit følge kunne rejse igennem Tyrol uden ubekvemmelighed og fare for liv og lemmer.»

I den lille by Ala — den sidste by indenfor Tyrols grænser —, hvor der ikke forefandtes fornødne lokaliteter, lod ærkehertugen sin adjutant Spaur indrette et hofkøkken samt samle viktualier og andre nødvendighedsartikler; desforuden skulle adjutanten sørge for værelsernes udstyrelse og bekvemmelighed, så at der ikke — som der stod i instruksen, «var manquements der, ligesom tidligere passeret.»

En sådan skrivelse udgik til alle ærkehertugelige embedsmænd om at bistå kassemesteren von Yngramb, som for ærkehertugelig regning skulle betale alt, således at dronning Kristina af Sveriges ophold ikke kostede hende noget, og at den ærkehertugelige reputation kunne blive konserveret.

Toldofficianterne i Branzoll, som ligger ved Etschfloden, fik ordre til i pramme at lade skibe ned ad floden dronning Kristinas bagage, som, pakket i 22 vogne, snart ville komme til Branzoll.

Alle de sølvservicegenstande, som biskopperne af Brixen og Trient havde utlånt til festdagene i Innsbruck, bleve uopholdeligt sendte tilbage for atter at gøre tjeneste, ifald dronning Kristina muligen kom til alle de stæder i Tyrol, som lå på hendes vej til Italien. Til borgmesteren i Brixen — som havde overværet dronning Kristinas indtog i Innsbruck — skrev fyrstbiskoppen af Brixen, at han skulle søge at få audiens hos dronning Kristina og indbyde hende til at tage bopæl i den biskoppelige borg i Brixen på gennemrejsen, men, føjer den forsigtige kirkefyrste lunt til i en efterskrift:

«Jeg skal frit beværte dronningen, hendes damer og medfølgende kavalerer; men de øvrige medrejsende må selv betale for sig i gæstgiverstederne, hvor der både skal blive sørget for, at der er plads, og at det fornødne til gæsternes underhold og bekvemmelighed skal være til stede til gangbare priser.»

Det første nattekvarter, efter at dronning Kristina og følge havde forladt Innsbruck, blev taget i byen Matrei. Her mødte morgenen efter ærkehertugens tjenstgørende adjutant, udsendt fra Innsbruck, for at ønske dronningen en pyntelig godmorgen samt høre, hvorledes Hendes Majestæt havde sovet. Dronning Kristina gengældte denne artighed ved at sende sin vicestaldmester, von Lilliencron, ind til Innsbruck for at formelde de ærkehertugelige Højheder hendes højagtelse og respekt.

Senere på dagen tog dronning Kristina af sted ad Brixen til for det at være til gæst hos fyrstbiskop Anton. Denne kom hende imøde undervejs i byen Vahrn, hvor han holdt en latinsk velkomsttale til hende, og derfra ledsagede han hende til den fyrstbiskoppelige bolig i Brixen; derfra rejste hun næste dag til Bozen, hvor der så blev holdt rast en hel dag. Derfra gik turen over Neumarkt og Lavis for at besøge Fyrstbiskoppen i Trient. I domkirken der i byen hørte dronning Kristina en messe, og i kirken St. Maria i samme by var der et fortræffeligt orgel, på hvilket der blev spillet til ære for den høje gæst.

Den 16. november kom dronning Kristina til Ala, den sidste by på tyrolsk grund, hvor ærkehertugen, som sagt, forud havde ladet alt indrette til den kongelige gæsts modtagelse; her toges det sidste nattekvarter i Tyrol.

Næste dag, efter middagstaflet, brød dronning Kristina op fra Ala. Forinden meldte ærkehertugens kommissarius, friherre von Freyberg, sig til afsked. Han havde uafbrudt ledsaget dronning Kristina på hele rejsen igennem Tyrol, fra Scharnitz til Ala. Nu anså han derfor sit hverv for endt og ville vende tilbage til Innsbruck, da dronningen stod i begreb med at forlade Tyrol. Dronning Kristina takkede ham, gav ham derpå nogle breve til besørgelse i Tyrol og bød ham at hilse hjemme, samt rakte dernæst sin hånd ud til kys.

Som en ubehagelig eftersmag af dette dronning Kristinas tyrolske besøg, hvor al mulig komfort, glans og pragt var udfoldet, var det, at der nu bagefter gjorde sig en svær ebbe gældende i den ærkehertugelig-tyrolske kasse, hvilken allerede forud ikke var videre godt beslået med mønt. Der blev senere optaget et så stort lån som muligt for at bestride de glubende udgifter, som dette kongelige ophold og besøg havde medført.

English translation (my own):

On November 8, Queen Kristina was to leave; in the morning the Archdukes and Archduchess Anna came to make a formal farewell visit. Queen Kristina continued her journey on horseback, and Archduke Ferdinand Karl accompanied her to the village of Schönberg, where, after many mutual compliments and thanks, farewell was taken, and she went with the attached archducal gentlemen and her retinue further south.

The court in Innsbruck had not only taken care of everything while Queen Kristina was staying in Innsbruck itself, but it also ensured that her winter journey to the southern border of Tyrol could take place with as much convenience and great dignity as possible. Letters were written to all authorities in the south on this occasion, just as letters had previously been written to those in the north. The Bishop of Trent was thus instructed to "have the roads inspected and repaired, so that Her Royal Majesty of Sweden with her court and retinue could travel through Tyrol without inconvenience and danger to life and limb."

In the small town of Ala — the last town within the borders of Tyrol — where there were no necessary premises, the Archduke had his adjutant Spaur set up a court kitchen and collect provisions and other necessities; in addition, the adjutant was to ensure the furnishings and comfort of the rooms, so that — as the instructions stated, "there would be no manquements there, as had happened before."

Such a letter was sent to all archducal officials to assist the treasurer von Yngramb, who was to pay everything at the archducal expense, so that Queen Kristina of Sweden's stay would not cost her anything and so that the archducal reputation could be preserved.

The customs officers in Branzoll, which is located on the Etsch River, were ordered to ship Queen Kristina's luggage down the river in barges, which, packed in 22 wagons, would soon arrive in Branzoll.

All the silver service items that the bishops of Brixen and Trent had lent for the festivities in Innsbruck were sent back without delay to serve again in case Queen Kristina came to all the cities in Tyrol that lay on her way to Italy. The prince-bishop of Brixen wrote to the mayor of Brixen — who had witnessed Queen Kristina's entry into Innsbruck — that he should seek an audience with Queen Kristina and invite her to take up residence in the episcopal castle in Brixen during her journey through, but, the cautious prince of the Church added warmly in a postscript:

"I shall freely entertain the Queen, her ladies and accompanying cavaliers; but the other companions must pay for themselves in the inns, where it must be ensured that there is space and that the necessities for the guests' entertainment and comfort are available at reasonable prices."

The first night after Queen Kristina and her entourage had left Innsbruck was spent in the town of Matrei. Here the following morning the Archduke's adjutant, sent from Innsbruck, met to wish the Queen a good morning and to hear how Her Majesty had slept. Queen Kristina reciprocated this courtesy by sending her vice equerry, Lilliecrona, to Innsbruck to express her high esteem and respect to the Archducal Highnesses.

Later in the day, Queen Kristina set off for Brixen to be a guest of prince-bishop Anton. The latter met her on the way in the town of Vahrn, where he gave her a Latin welcome speech, and from there he accompanied her to the prince-bishop's residence in Brixen; from there she travelled the next day to Bozen, where she then rested for a whole day. From there the journey went via Neumarkt and Leifers to visit the prince-bishop of Trent. In the cathedral in the town, Queen Kristina heard a Mass, and in the church of St. Maria in the same town there was an excellent organ, on which music was played in honour of the high guest.

On November 16, Queen Kristina arrived at Ala, the last town on Tyrolean soil, where the Archduke, as mentioned, had previously had everything arranged for the reception of the royal guest; here the last overnight quarters in Tyrol were taken.

The next day, after luncheon, Queen Kristina left Ala. Before that, the Archduke's commissary, Baron von Freyberg, bid farewell. He had accompanied Queen Kristina continuously on the entire journey through Tyrol, from Scharnitz to Ala. Now he therefore considered his duty to be over and wanted to return to Innsbruck, as the Queen was about to leave Tyrol. Queen Kristina thanked him, then gave him some letters to take to Tyrol and invited him to greet her at home, and then held out her hand for a kiss.

As an unpleasant aftertaste of this visit to Tyrol by Queen Kristina, where all possible comfort and splendour had been displayed, there was now afterwards a severe ebb in the archducal-Tyrolean treasury, which was already not well endowed with coin. Later, as large a loan as possible was taken out to cover the voracious expenses that this royal stay and visit had entailed.


Above: Kristina.


Above: Ferdinand Karl, Archduke of Austria.


Above: His brother Sigismund Franz, Archduke of Austria.


Above: Anna de' Medici, Archduchess of Austria as Ferdinand Karl's wife.


Above: Gustaf Lillecrona.

Notes: Schönberg = Schönberg im Stubaital.

Trent is the traditional English name for what is now the city of Trento, in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol and the autonomous province of Trento. Its name in German is Trient.

The bishop of Trent/Trento = Carlo Emanuele Madruzzo (1599-1658; in office from 1629 until his death).

Ala is an Italian town which is on the border with Austria and was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the First World War. Its name in German is Halla.

Etsch is the German name for the Adige river, the second-longest river in Italy after the Po. It rises near the Reschen Pass in the Vinschgau in the province of South Tyrol, near the Italian border with Austria and Switzerland, and flows 250 miles (410 kilometers) through most of northeastern Italy to the Adriatic Sea.

Branzoll is the German name for the municipality and village of Bronzolo in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol.

Brixen is the German and English name for the town of Bressanone in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol.

The prince-bishop of Brixen = Anton Crosini von Bonporto (in office from 1648 until his death in 1663).

Matrei = Matrei am Brenner.

Vahrn is the German and English name for the municipality of Varna in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol.

Bozen is the German name for the city of Bolzano in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol. It is the region's capital city.

Neumarkt is the German name for the municipality and village of Egna in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol.

Leifers is the German name for the town of Laives in what is now the northern Italian region of South Tyrol.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Announcement of Kristina's conversion to Catholicism, signed by herself along with Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria, Archduke Sigismund Franz of Austria (Bishop of Augsburg), Antonio Pimentel, Lucas Holstenius, the public notary Nikolaus Zerzer, and the archducal officials, dated October 29/November 8 (New Style), 1655

Sources:

Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Cristina Alessandra Regina di Svetia, pages 108 to 110, by Count Galeazzo Gualdo Priorato, 1656; original at the Getty Research Institute


The history of the sacred and Royal Majesty of Christina Alessandra Queen of Swedland, &c., book 3, translated by John Burbury, 1658; original at the University of Michigan Library


Lettere memorabili istoriche, politiche ed erudite, volume 2, page 300, published by Antonio Bulifon, 1698; original at the National Library of Naples (Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III)


The 5,100th post to this blog!

The announcement:

Christina. Ferdinandus Carolus Archidux Austriæ testis adfui, & subscripsi. Sigismundus Franciscus Archidux Austriæ Episcopus Augustanus, & Gorcensis testis adfui, & subscripsi. Don Antonius Pimentel de Prado Catholici Regis Legatus testis fui, & subscripsi. Lucas Holstenius Basilicæ Sancti Petri Canonicus hanc professionem excepi, & subscripsi: ... In Christi nomine Amen. Anno ab eiusdem salutifera Incarnatione millesimo sexcentesimo quinquagesimo quinto, Indictione vero octaua, die tertia mensis Nouembris, Pontificatus autem Sanctissimi in Christo Patris, ac Domini Nostri Domini Alexandri Diuina Prouidentia Papæ Septimi anno primo. Oeniponte, vulgò Inspruch, Diœcesis Brixinensis, circa meridiem, in Ecclesia Archiducali Sanctæ Crucis, ante Altare maius, Ibidem personaliter constituta Serenissima D. D. Christina nata Regina Sueciæ &c. hanc subscriptam Catholicæ Fidei professionem spontè, & animo benè deliberato, genuflexa, claraque voce, coram suprascriptis testibus ad præmissa rogatis in facie Ecclesiæ, tactis sacrosanctis Euangelijs emisit. Qua professione Fidei peracta, prælaudata Serenissima D. D. Regina, & Illustrissimus, ac Reuerendissimus D. Lucas Holstenius Canonicus Basilicæ Principis Apostolorum de Vrbe, & Sanctissimi D. D. nostri familiaris, & continuus Commensalis, me Notarium infrascriptum gratiosissimè requisiuerunt, vt vnum, vel plura Instrumenta publica ad perpetuam rei memoriam desuper conficerem. Et quia ego infranominatus Notarius publicus Fidei Catholicæ professioni à Serenissima D. D. Christina &c. ad manus præfati Illustrissimi, & Reuerendissimi D. Holstenij, nomine, & vice Romanæ Sedis Apostolicæ, secundùm præscriptum ritum Sacri Concilij Tridentini, vigore Delegationis Apostolicæ recipientis, palam emissæ, vna cum testibus interfui, eamque simul, atque subscriptiones ità fieri vidi, & audiui. Ideò in fidem hoc præsens instrumentum publicum exindè confeci, scripsi, propria manu subscripsi, publicaui, & notariatus signo meo solito requisitus corroboraui. Actum vt supra. Nicolaus Zerzer Archiducalis Consiliarius, Secretarius, & auctoritate Pontificia, atque Imperiali Notarius publicus.

Nos N. N. Serenissimi Principis Ferdinandi Caroli Archiducis Austriæ &c. Præses, Cancellarius, Regentes, & Consiliarij Superioris Austriæ Prouinciarum attestamur, supranominatum Nicolaum Zerzer, tam Archiducalem Consiliarium, quàm Regiminis Superioris Austriæ Prouinciarum Secretarium, ac legalem, & authenticum esse Notarium, vti præmissum, ac proindè illius scripturis, & instrumentis publicis in Indicijs, & extra, hic, & vbique plenam, & indubitatam adhiberi posse, ac debere fidem. In cuius rei testimonium præsentes sigillo Archiducali communiri iussimus. Actum Oeniponti die octaua mensis Nouembris anno 1655. Ioannes Christophorus Castner de Castenstein Archiducalis Consiliarius, & Archiuij Præpositus.

With modernised spelling:

Christina.

Ferdinandus Carolus, archidux Austriæ testis adfui, et subscripsi.

Sigismundus Franciscus archidux Austriæ, episcopus Augustanus, et Gorcensis testis adfui, et subscripsi.

Don Antonius Pimentel de Prado, catholici regis legatus testis fui, et subscripsi.

Lucas Holstenius, Basilicæ Sancti Petri Canonicus hanc professionem excepi, et subscripsi.

... In Christi nomine amen. Anno ab ejusdem salutifera Incarnatione millesimo sexcentesimo quinquagesimo quinto, indictione vero octava, die tertia mensis novembris, pontificatus autem sanctissimi in Christo Patris, ac domini nostri domini Alexandri, divina providentia papæ septimi, anno primo. Œniponte, vulgo Innsbruck, diœcesis Brixenensis, circa meridiem, in ecclesia archiducali Sanctæ Crucis, ante altare majus, ibidem personaliter constituta serenissima domina Christina, nata regina Sueciæ etc., hanc subscriptam catholicæ fidei professionem sponte, et animo bene deliberato, genuflexa, claraque voce, coram suprascriptis testibus ad præmissa rogatis in facie Ecclesiæ, tactis sacrosanctis Evangeliis emisit.

Qua professione fidei peracta, prælaudata serenissima domina regina, et illustrissimus, ac reverendissimus dominus Lucas Holstenius, canonicus Basilicæ, principis apostolorum de Urbe, et sanctissimi Domini Nostri familiaris, et continuus commensalis, me notarium infrascriptum gratiosissime requisiverunt, ut unum, vel plura instrumenta publica ad perpetuam rei memoriam desuper conficerem.

Et quia ego infranominatus notarius publicus fidei catholicæ professioni a serenissima domina Christina, etc., ad manus præfati illustrissimi et reverendissimi domini Holstenii, nomine et vice Romanæ Sedis Apostolicæ, secundum præscriptum ritum Sacri Concilii Tridentini, vigore delegationis apostolicæ recipientis, palam emissæ, una cum testibus interfui, eamque simul, atque subscriptiones ita fieri vidi et audivi.

Ideo in fidem hoc præsens instrumentum publicum exinde confeci, scripsi, propria manu subscripsi, publicavi et notariatus signo meo solito requisitus corroboravi. Actum ut supra.
Nicolaus Zerzer, archiducalis consiliarius, secretarius et auctoritate pontificia, atque imperiali notarius publicus.

Nos N. N., serenissimi principis Ferdinandi Caroli archiducis Austriæ etc. præses, cancellarius, regentes et consiliarii superioris Austriæ Provinciarum attestamur, supranominatum Nicolaum Zerzer, tam archiducalem consiliarium, quam regiminis superioris Austriæ Provinciarum secretarium, ac legalem et authenticum esse notarium, uti præmissum, ac proinde illius scripturis, et instrumentis publicis in indiciis et extra, hic et ubique plenam, et indubitatam adhiberi posse, ac debere fidem. In cuius rei testimonium præsentes Sigillo Archiducali communiri jussimus. Actum Œniponti, die octava mensis novembris anno 1655.
Johannes Christophorus Kastner de Kastenstein, archiducalis consiliarius et archivii præpositus.

French translation (my own; I cannot tag it as such due to character limits in the tags):

Christine.

Moi Ferdinand-Charles, archiduc d'Autriche, j'étais présent comme témoin et j'ai souscrit.

Moi Sigismond-François, archiduc d'Autriche, évêque d'Augsbourg et de Gurk, j'étais présent comme témoin et j'ai souscrit.

Moi don Antoine Pimentel de Prado, légat du roi catholique, j'étais témoin et j'y ai souscrit.

Moi Luc Holstenius, chanoine de la basilique Saint-Pierre, j'ai accepté cette profession et j'y ai souscrit.

... Au nom du Christ, amen. En l'an 1655 après la même salutaire Incarnation, en vérité le huitième trimestre, le troisième jour de novembre, pendant la première année du pontificat du Très Saint Père en Jésus-Christ, Notre Seigneur Alexandre VII, par la divine Providence, Pape; à Innsbruck, dans le diocèse de Bressanone, vers midi, dans l'église archiducale de la Sainte-Croix, devant le maître-autel, la sérénissime dame Christine, née reine de Suède, etc., y ayant été personnellement désignée, a fait cette profession souscrite de la foi catholique volontairement et d'un esprit bien délibéré, à genoux et d'une voix claire, et en présence des témoins ci-dessus mentionnés aux lieux requis d'être présents en face de l'Église, elle a prononcé et touché les sacro-saints Évangiles.

Ladite profession de foi ayant été faite, la prélouée très sérénissime dame et reine, et le très illustre et très révérend seigneur Luc Holstenius, chanoine de la basilique, prince des apôtres de la ville, et familier et constant commensal de Notre très saint Seigneur, m'ont très gracieusement prié, notaire soussigné, de dresser un ou plusieurs actes publics pour la mémoire perpétuelle de celui-ci.

Et parce que moi, notaire public sous-nommé, j'étais présent avec les témoins à la profession de foi catholique par la sérénissime dame Christine, etc., des mains du susdit très illustre et très révérend seigneur Holstenius, au nom et pour le compte du Siège Apostolique Romain, selon le rite prescrit du Sacré Concile de Trente, en vertu de la délégation apostolique qui la reçoit, j'ai vu et entendu la profession et les souscriptions ainsi faites.

En foi de quoi, j'ai rédigé le présent acte public, je l'ai rédigé, signé de ma main, publié et, si nécessaire, confirmé par mon sceau notarié habituel. Daté comme ci-dessus.
Nicolas Zerzer, conseiller archiducal, secrétaire et notaire public par l'autorité pontificale et impériale.

Nous N. N., président, chancelier, régents et conseillers du prince sérénissime Ferdinand-Charles, archiduc d'Autriche, etc., et des provinces de Haute-Autriche, attestons que le susnommé Nicolas Zerzer, conseiller archiducal et secrétaire du gouvernement des provinces de Haute-Autriche, est notaire légal et authentique, comme indiqué ci-dessus, et que, par conséquent, ses écrits et actes publics, tant en preuve qu'en preuve, ici et partout, peuvent et doivent être considérés comme dignes de foi. En foi de quoi, nous avons ordonné que les présentes soient communiquées sous le sceau archiducal. Fait à Innsbruck, le 8 novembre 1655.
Jean-Christophe Kastner de Kastenstein, conseiller archiducal et conservateur des archives.

Swedish translation (my own; I cannot tag it as such due to character limits in the tags):

Kristina.

Jag Ferdinand Karl, ärkehertig av Österrike, var närvarande som vittne, och jag skrev under.

Jag Sigismund Franz, ärkehertig av Österrike, biskop av Augsburg och Gurk, var närvarande som vittne, och jag skrev under.

Jag don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, den katolske konungens legat, var ett vittne och skrev under den.

Jag Lucas Holstenius, kanon vid Peterskyrkan, accepterade detta bekännelse och skrev under den.

... I Kristi namn, amen. Under 1655:e året efter samma välgörande inkarnation, i sanning åttonde kvartalet, den tredje dagen i november, under det första året av den Heligaste Faderns pontifikat i Kristus, Vår Herre Alexander VII, av gudomlig försyn, påve; i Innsbruck, i Brixens stift, omkring middagstid, i Heliga Korsets ärkekyrka, före högaltaret, gjorde den durchlauchtigste frun Kristina, född Sveriges drottning osv, efter att där personligen utnämnts, gjorde denna tecknad bekännelse av den katolska tron frivilligt och med ett välöverlagt sinne, knästående och med en klar röst, och i närvaro av de ovannämnda vittnen till lokalerna som bads om att vara närvarande inför kyrkan, yttrade hon och rörde vid de heliga evangelierna.

Efter att ha avlagt vilken trosbekännelse den förr lovade durchlauchtigaste fru drottning, och den durchlauchtigaste och vördigaste herr Lucas Holstenius, basilikanik, prins av Stadens apostlar, och förtrolig och ständig kommensal av Vår Allraheligaste Herre, har nådigast bett mig, undertecknade notarie, att upprätta ett eller flera offentliga dokument till det eviga minnet av ovanstående.

Och eftersom jag, den nedan nämnde publike notarien, var närvarande tillsammans med vittnena vid den katolska trons bekännelse av den durchlauchtigaste fru Kristina osv., utförd av den tidigare nämnda, durchlauchtigaste och vördigaste herr Holstenius, i den romerska Apostoliska Stolens namn och för dess räkning, i enlighet med den föreskrivna riten vid det Heliga Konciliet i Trient, i kraft av den apostoliska delegationen som mottagit den, har jag sett och hört bekännelsen och de sålunda gjorda underskrifterna.

I tro härpå har jag upprättat detta offentliga dokument, skrivit det, undertecknat det med min egen hand, publicerat det och, om det krävdes, bekräftat det med min vanliga notarieunderteckning. Daterad enligt ovan.
Nikolaus Zerzer, ärkehertiglig rådsherre, sekreterare och notarie med påvlig och kejserlig auktoritet.

Vi N. N., president, kansler, regenter och rådsherrar till den durchlauchtigaste furste Ferdinand Karl, ärkehertig av Österrike osv., och av de övre österrikiska provinserna, intygar att ovannämnde Nikolaus Zerzer, både ärkehertiglig rådsherre och sekreterare för regeringen i de övre österrikiska provinserna, är en laglig och autentisk notarie, som tidigare nämnts, och att hans skrifter och offentliga instrumenten, både i bevis och ute, här och överallt, därför kan och måste ges full och otvivelaktig tro. Till bevis härpå har vi beordrat att denna handling skall meddelas med det ärkehertigliga sigillet. Utfärdat i Innsbruck, den åttonde november år 1655.
Johannes Christoph Kastner av Kastenstein, ärkehertiglig rådsherre och arkivansvarig.

English translation (by Burbury):

Christina.

I Ferdinand Charles Arch-Duke of Austria, have been a witnesse and subscribed.

I Sigismond Francis Arch-Duke of Austria, Bishop of Auspurge, &c. have been a witnesse and subscribed.

I Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado Embassador of the Catholick King, have been a witnesse and subscribed.

I Luke Holstenius Canon of Saint Peters in Rome, have received this Profession and subscribed.

In the name of Christ Amen. In the year of our Lord 1655. and the eighth indiction, on the third of November, in the first year of the Papacie of our most holy Father in Christ, Alexander the seventh, at Inspruch in the Dioces of Brixia, about noone, in the Arch-Dukes Church of the holy Crosse, before the high Altar, the most noble Lady Christina Queen of Swedland personally there present, freely and deliberately on her knees, with a clear voice, before the above-written witnesses required thereunto in the face of the Church and touching the holy Gospells, pronounced this subscribed profession of the Catholick faith. Which Profession of faith being ended, the most illustrious Queen, and Right Honourable and most reverend Lord Luke Holstenius, Canon of Saint Peters in Rome, and one of the houshold and continual attendance at the table of our most holy Father in Christ, very favourably required of me the Notary under-written, that in order to this businesse, I would make one, or more publick instruments, in perpetual remembrance of the thing. And because I [the] undernamed Publick Notary, was present with the witnesses, at the publick profession of the most illustrious Queen Christina, &c. and received by the most Reverend Lord Holstenius, in the name and stead of the Roman Apostolical Sea, according to the order appointed by the holy Council of Trent, by vertue of his Apostolical delegation, both it and the subscriptions to set down, I have both seen and heard. In testimony therefore of this, I have made this present publick instrument, have written it with my own hand, subscribed and published it, and with the usual seal of my Office of Notary, being thereunto required, have confirmed it. Dated as above. Nicholas Zerzer the Arch-Dukes Counsellor, Secretary, and publick Notary, by Papal and Imperial authority.

We N. N. President, Chancellor, Regents, and Counsellors of the Provinces of the upper Austria, belonging to the most Illustrious Prince Ferdinand Charles Arch-Duke of Austria, &c. do witnesse, the above named Nicholas Zerzer, the Arch-Dukes Counsellor, and also Secretary of the Provinces of the higher Austria, is a legal and authentical Notary, as abovesaid, and therefore to his writings, and publick instruments, in judgments, and out, here, and every where, a full and undoubted faith may and ought to be given. In testimony whereof, we here present have confirmed it with the Arch-Dukes Seale.
Dated at Inspruch the 8th day of November, 1655.
John Christopher Castner of Castenstein, Counsellor to the Arch-Duke, and President of the Arches.

With modernised spelling for easier reading:

Kristina.

I Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria, have been a witness and subscribed.

I Sigismund Francis, Archduke of Austria, Bishop of Augsburg, etc., have been a witness and subscribed.

I Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, ambassador of the Catholic King, have been a witness and subscribed.

I Luke Holstenius, Canon of Saint Peter's in Rome, have received this profession and subscribed.

In the name of Christ, Amen. In the year of Our Lord 1655 and the eighth indiction, on the third of November, in the first year of the papacy of Our Most Holy Father in Christ, Alexander the Seventh, at Innsbruck in the diocese of Brixia, about noon, in the Archduke's Church of the Holy Cross, before the high altar, the Most Noble Lady Kristina, Queen of Swedeland, personally there present, freely and deliberately on her knees, with a clear voice, before the above-written witnesses required thereunto, in the face of the Church and touching the Holy Gospels, pronounced this subscribed profession of the Catholic faith.

Which profession of faith being ended, the Most Illustrious Queen and Right Honourable and Most Reverend Lord Luke Holstenius, Canon of Saint Peter's in Rome, and one of the household and continual attendance at the table of Our Most Holy Father in Christ, very favourably required of me, the notary underwritten, that in order to this business I would make one or more public instruments in perpetual remembrance of the thing.

And because I, [the] undernamed public notary, was present with the witnesses, at the public profession of the Most Illustrious Queen Kristina, etc. and received by the Most Reverend Lord Holstenius, in the name and stead of the Roman Apostolical See, according to the order appointed by the Holy Council of Trent, by virtue of his apostolical delegation, both it and the subscriptions to set down, I have both seen and heard.

In testimony therefore of this, I have made this present public instrument, have written it with my own hand, subscribed and published it, and with the usual seal of my office of notary, being thereunto required, have confirmed it. Dated as above.
Nicholas Zerzer, the Archduke's counsellor, secretary and public notary by Papal and Imperial authority.

We N. N., President, Chancellor, regents and counsellors of the Provinces of the Upper Austria, belonging to the Most Illustrious Prince Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria, etc. do witness the above-named Nicholas Zerzer, the Archduke's counsellor and also secretary of the Provinces of the Higher Austria, is a legal and authentical notary, as above-said, and therefore to his writings and public instruments, in judgements and out, here and everywhere, a full and undoubted faith may and ought to be given. In testimony whereof, we here present have confirmed it with the Archduke's Seal. Dated at Innsbruck, the 8th day of November 1655.
John Christopher Kastner of Kastenstein, counsellor to the Archduke and President of the Arches.

English translation (my own):

Kristina.

I Ferdinand Karl, Archduke of Austria, was present as a witness, and I subscribed.

I Sigismund Franz, Archduke of Austria, Bishop of Augsburg and Gurk, was present as a witness, and I subscribed.

I Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, the legate of the Catholic King, was a witness and subscribed it.

Lucas Holstenius, Canon of St. Peter's Basilica, accepted this profession and subscribed it.

... In the name of Christ, amen. In the 1655th year after the same salutary Incarnation, in truth the eighth quarter, on the third day of November, during the first year of the pontificate of the Most Holy Father in Christ, our Lord Alexander VII, by Divine Providence, Pope; at Innsbruck, in the diocese of Brixen, at about noon, in the archducal Church of the Holy Cross, before the high altar, the Most Serene Lady Kristina, born Queen of Sweden, etc., having been personally appointed there, made this subscribed profession of the Catholic faith voluntarily, and with a well-deliberated mind, kneeling, and with a clear voice, and in the presence of the above-mentioned witnesses to the premises requested to be present in the face of the Church, she uttered and touched the sacrosanct Gospels.

The which profession of faith having been made, the prelauded most serene Lady Queen, and the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Lucas Holstenius, Canon of the Basilica, Prince of the Apostles of the City, and familiar and constant Commensal of Our Most Holy Lord, have most graciously requested me, the undersigned notary, to draw up one or more public instruments for the perpetual memory of the above.

And because I, the undernamed public notary, was present together with the witnesses at the profession of the Catholic faith by the Most Serene Lady Kristina, etc., at the hands of the aforementioned most illustrious and most reverend Lord Holstenius, in the name of and on behalf of the Roman Apostolic See, according to the prescribed rite of the Sacred Council of Trent, by virtue of the apostolic delegation receiving it, I have seen and heard the profession and the subscriptions thus made.

In faith thereof, I have drawn up this present public instrument, written it, signed it with my own hand, published it, and, it being required, confirmed it with my usual notarial sign. Dated as above.
Nikolaus Zerzer, archducal councilman, secretary and by pontifical authority, and public notary by Papal and Imperial authority.

We N. N., President, Chancellor, regents and councilmen to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand Karl, Archduke of Austria, etc., and of the Upper Austrian Provinces, do attest that the above-named Nikolaus Zerzer, both archducal councilman and secretary of the government of the Upper Austrian Provinces, is a legal and authentic notary, as aforesaid, and that therefore his writings and public instruments, both in evidence and out, here and everywhere, can and must be given full and undoubted faith. In witness whereof we have ordered the present to be communicated with the Archducal Seal. Done at Innsbruck, the eighth day of November in the year 1655.
Johannes Christoph Kastner of Kastenstein, archducal councilman and keeper of the Archives.


Above: Kristina.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated October 20/30 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 537, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891
The diary entry:

30. ... Hora secunda pomeridiana discessit ser:mus archidux visitaturus Reginam in Seefeld unde sub noctem rediit P. Malines etiam eo profectus, Reginæ et Pimentellii voluntatem exploraturus, qui circa mediam noctem rediit.

French translation (my own):

30. ... A deux heures de l'après-midi, le sérénissime archiduc partit rendre visite à la reine à Seefeld, d'où il revint à la tombée de la nuit. Le père Malines s'y rendit aussi pour s'enquérir de volonté de la reine et de Pimentel, qui revint vers minuit.

Swedish translation (my own):

30. ... Klockan två på eftermiddagen gick den durchlauchtigaste ärkehertigen för att besöka drottningen i Seefeld, varifrån han återvände vid mörkrets inbrott. Fader Malines reste också dit för att undersöka drottningens och Pimentels vilja, han återvände vid midnatt.

English translation (my own):

30. ... At two o'clock in the afternoon, the Most Serene Archduke left to visit the Queen at Seefeld, whence he returned at nightfall. Father Malines also went there to inquire into the will of the Queen and Pimentel, who returned at about midnight.


Above: Kristina.


Above: Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria.


Above: Antonio Pimentel.


Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Pope Alexander VII's letter to Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria, dated September 30/October 10 (New Style), 1655

Sources:

Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Cristina Alessandra Regina di Svetia, pages 86 to 87, by Count Galeazzo Galdo Priorato, 1656


The history of the sacred and Royal Majesty of Christina Alessandra Queen of Swedland, &c., book 3, translated by John Burbury, 1658


The letter:

Dilecto filio Nobili Viro Carolo Ferdinando Archiduci Austriæ. ALEXANDER PAPA VII. Dilecte fili Nobilis Vir salutem, & Apostolicam benedictionem. Impulit Nos, quam nuper imposito Nobis oneri debemus Pastoralis sollicitudo, vt dilectum filium Lucam Holstenium Domesticum nostrum, Pronothariŭ Apostolicum, Basilicæ Sancti Petri Canonicum, nostræque Vaticanæ Bibliothecæ Custodem, ad arduam rem, grauissimamque conficiendam in Germaniam mitteremus, Virum, in quo præter insignes litteras de Romanæ Ecclesiæ dignitate præclarè meritas, egregriam fidem, ac probitatem, pari cum rerum agendarum peritia coniunctam hæc ætas suspicit. Instituto Nobilitatis Tuæ iniuria quodamodò fieret, si tecum pluribus ageremus, vt eum nostro te nomine salutantem benignè, humaniterquè complectaris, cum assiduis documentis posteritatem erudias, nihil in auitæ gloriæ Patrimonio charius tibi esse laude suscepti eorum patrocinij, quos cum sua ipsorum virtus, tùm virtutis amplissimum testimonium, Pontificia beneuolentia commendat. Cæterum quo erga Nobilitatem Tuam studio flagremus, quăque impensè rerum tuarum progressibus faueamus, ab eodem luculenter accipies. Tibique Apostolicam benedictionem peramanter elargimur. Datum Romæ apud Sanctam Mariam Maiorem sub Annulo Piscatoris die 10. Octobris 1655. Pontificatus Nostri Anno Primo. Natalis Rondininus.

With modernised spelling:

Dilecto filio, nobili viro Carolo Ferdinando, archiduci Austriæ.
Alexander Papa VII.
Dilecte fili, nobilis vir, salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Impulit nos, quam nuper imposito nobis oneri debemus pastoralis sollicitudo, ut dilectum filium Lucam Holstenium, domesticum nostrum, pronotharium Apostolicum, Basilicæ Sancti Petri canonicum, nostræque Vaticanæ Bibliothecæ custodem, ad arduam rem, gravissimamque conficiendam in Germaniam mitteremus, virum, in quo præter insignes litteras de Romanæ Ecclesiæ dignitate præclare meritas, egregriam fidem, ac probitatem, pari cum rerum agendarum peritia conjunctam hæc ætas suspicit. Instituto Nobilitatis Tuæ iniuria quodamodo fieret, si tecum pluribus ageremus, ut eum nostro te nomine salutantem benigne, humaniterque complectaris, cum assiduis documentis posteritatem erudias, nihil in avitæ gloriæ patrimonio carius tibi esse laude suscepti eorum patrocinii, quos cum sua ipsorum virtus, tum virtutis amplissimum testimonium, pontificia benevolentia commendat. Cæterum quo erga Nobilitatem Tuam studio flagremus, quamque impense rerum tuarum progressibus faveamus, ab eodem luculenter accipies. Tibique apostolicam benedictionem peramanter elargimur. Datum Romæ apud Sanctam Mariam Majorem, sub Annulo Piscatoris die 10 octobris 1655. Pontificatus nostri anno primo.
Natalis Rondininus.

French translation (my own):

A notre très cher fils, le noble Ferdinand-Charles, Archiduc d'Autriche.
Pape Alexandre VII.
A notre très cher fils, noble homme, nos salutations et notre bénédiction apostolique. Nous avons été exhortés, comme Nous devrions être accablés par la préoccupation pastorale qui Nous est récemment imposée, d'envoyer notre très cher fils Luc Holstenius, Notre protonotaire apostolique domestique, chanoine de la Basilique Saint-Pierre et gardien de Notre Bibliothèque Vaticane, pour accomplir un travail des plus tâche difficile en Allemagne. C'est un homme en qui, outre sa savante distinguée, qu'il a éminemment méritée de la dignité de l'Église romaine, ce siècle voit aussi sa foi distinguée et sa probité, jointes à une égale habileté dans les affaires. Votre Nobilité serait en quelque sorte lésée si Nous la disions davantage qu'elle embrasse avec bienveillance et humanité celui qu'elle salue en Notre nom, et comme elle éduque la postérité avec des documents assidus, que rien dans le patrimoine de la gloire antique ne l'est plus cher que la louange et le patronage de ceux que la vertu propre ainsi que Notre bienveillance pontificale recommandent avec un ample témoignage. Combien Nous sommes zélés pour Votre Nobilité et à quel prix Nous soutenons le progrès de vos affaires, elle en tirera clairement du même. Et à vous, Nous adressons Notre bénédiction apostolique. Donné à Rome à Sainte Marie Majeure, sous l'Anneau du Pêcheur, le 10 octobre 1655, la première année de Notre pontificat.
Natalis Rondininus.

Swedish translation (my own):

Till Vår älskade son, den ädle Ferdinand Karl, ärkehertig av Österrike.
Påven Alexander VII.
Till Vår älskade son, ädle man, Våra hälsningar och apostoliska välsignelser. Vi har uppmanats, eftersom Vi borde vara tyngda av den pastorala omvårdnad som nyligen påtvingats oss, att sända Vår älskade son Lucas Holstenius, Vår domestike apostoliske protonotär, kaniken i Peterskyrkan och vårdnadshavare för Vårt Vatikanbibliotek, för att åstadkomma ett mycket svår uppgift i Tyskland. Han är en man i vilken detta sekel, förutom sin förnämliga lärdom, som han eminent har förtjänat av den romerska Kyrkans värdighet, ser hans förnäma tro och hans hederlighet, förenad med en lika skicklighet i angelägenheter. Ers Höghet skulle på något sätt skadas om Vi mer skulle säga till Er att Ni vänligt och mänskligt skulle omfamna honom som hälsar Er i Vårt namn, och när Ni uppfostrar eftervärlden med flitiga handlingar att ingenting i den forntida härlighetens arv är Er kärare än beröm och beskydd av dem som både egen dygd och Vår påvliga välvilja berömmer med gott betygelse. Hur ivriga Vi är för Ers Höghet och med vilken kostnad Vi stödjer Era angelägenheters framsteg, det lär Ni tydligen av densamme. Och till Er ger Vi Vår apostoliska välsignelse. Givet i Rom i Santa Maria Maggiore, under Fiskarens Ring, den 10 oktober 1655, under det första året av vårt pontifikat.
Natalis Rondininus.

English translation (by Burbury; I have fixed some typos):

To our beloved Son the noble Charles Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria, Alexander VII. Pope.
Beloved Son, and noble Prince, Greeting and Apostolicall benediction.
The pastorall care, the burthen impos'd on us lately requires, hath forc'd us to send into Germany, for the compassing of a difficult, and most weighty affair, our beloved Son Luke Holstenius of our houshold, principall Apostolicall Notary, Canon of the Church of Saint Peter, and Keeper of our Vatican Library, a man, in whom, besides his great learning, which hath very well deserv'd of the dignity of the Romane Church, this age admires a singular faith, and honesty, together with a like conduct, in the management of business. It would in a manner be an injury to your noblenesse, if we should use many words, to desire you, to receive him with courtesie and kindness, while he greets you in our name, since you dayly teach posterity, in the Patrimony of your Ancestors glory; you have nothing dearer to you, than the praise of defending, whom both their own vertue and pontificall affection, the honourablest testimony of vertue, doth commend. But how we are affected to your noblenesse, and how earnestly [we] desire the prosperity of your affairs, you will clearly know of him. And we send you very lovingly our Apostolicall benediction.
Given at Rome at Saint Maries the greater, under the Ring of the fisher, on the 10th day of October 1655. and in the first year of our Papacy.
Natalis Rondininus.

With modernised spelling for easier reading:

To our beloved son the noble Charles Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria. Alexander VII, Pope.
Beloved son, and noble Prince, greeting and apostolical benediction. The pastoral care the burden imposed on Us lately requires hath forced Us to send into Germany, for the compassing of a difficult and most weighty affair, Our beloved son Luke Holstenius of Our household principal apostolical notary, canon of the Church of Saint Peter, and keeper of Our Vatican Library, a man in whom, besides his great learning, which hath very well deserved of the dignity of the Roman Church, this age admires a singular faith and honesty, together with a like conduct, in the management of business. It would in a manner be an injury to Your Nobleness, if We should use many words to desire you to receive him with courtesy and kindness, while he greets you in Our name, since you daily teach posterity, in the patrimony of your ancestors' glory; you have nothing dearer to you than the praise of defending, whom both their own virtue and pontifical affection the honourablest testimony of virtue doth commend. But how We are affected to Your Nobleness, and how earnestly [We] desire the prosperity of your affairs, you will clearly know of him. And We send you very lovingly Our apostolical benediction.
Given at Rome at Saint Mary's the Greater, under the Ring of the Fisher, on the 10th day of October 1655, and in the first year of Our papacy.
Natalis Rondininus.

English translation (my own):

To Our beloved son, the noble Ferdinand Karl, Archduke of Austria.
Pope Alexander VII.
To Our beloved son, noble man, Our greetings and apostolic blessing. We have been urged, as We should be burdened with the pastoral concern recently imposed on us, to send our beloved son Lucas Holstenius, Our domestic apostolic prothonotary, canon of St. Peter's Basilica, and custodian of Our Vatican Library, to accomplish a most difficult task in Germany. He is a man in whom, besides his distinguished learnedness, which he has eminently merited from the dignity of the Roman Church, this age also sees his distinguished faith and his probity, combined with an equal skill in affairs. Your Nobility would be in some way injured if We were to say to you more that you would kindly and humanely embrace him who greets you in Our name, and as you educate posterity with assiduous documents, that nothing in the patrimony of ancient glory is dearer to you than the praise and patronage of those whom both own virtue as well Our pontifical benevolence commends with ample testimony. How zealous We are for Your Nobility and with what expense We support the progress of your affairs, you will clearly learn from the same. And to you, We extend Our apostolic blessing. Given at Rome at Santa Maria Maggiore, under the Ring of the Fisherman, on October 10, 1655, in the first year of Our pontificate.
Natalis Rondininus.


Above: Kristina.


Above: Lucas Holstenius.


Above: Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria.


Above: Pope Alexander VII.

Monday, July 27, 2020

Kristina's letter to Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria, dated October 10/20 (New Style), 1655

Sources:

Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Cristina Alessandra Regina di Svetia, page 75, by Count Galeazzo Galdo Priorato, 1656


Mémoires concernant Christine, volume 1, page 489, Johan Arckenholtz, 1751


The history of the sacred and Royal Majesty of Christina Alessandra Queen of Swedland, &c., book 2, translated by John Burbury, 1658


The letter:

Monsieur mon Cousin.
Approchant le Estat di V. A. I'ay creu debuoir l'auertir de mon arriuee, e de la prier d'auoir agrèable, que Ie passe pour aller acheuer le reste dù voyage vers Rome. Ie vous enuoye ce Gentilhomme porteur de la presente e pour dire plus particulierement mes sentiments à V. A. & vous prie de luy adiouster foy, que il vous dira, que Ie suis plus que personne.
Monsieur Mon Cousin
Vostre tres affectione Cousine, & Amie
Christine.
Auguste ce 20. Octob. 1655.

With modernised spelling:

Monsieur mon cousin,
Approchant l'État de Votre Altesse, j'ai cru devoir l'avertir de mon arrivée et de la prier d'avoir agréable que je passe pour aller achever le reste du voyage vers Rome. Je vous envoie ce gentilhomme, porteur de la présente, pour dire plus particulièrement mes sentiments à Votre Altesse; et [je] vous prie de lui ajouter foi [sur ce] qu'il vous dira que je suis, plus que personne,
Monsieur mon cousin,
Votre très affectionnée cousine et amie
Christine.
Auguste, ce 20 octobre 1655.

Arckenholtz's transcript of the letter:

Monsieur Mon Cousin. Approchant de l'Etat de V. A. j'ai crû devoir l'avertir de mon arrivée, & la prier d'avoir agréable, que j'y passe pour achever mon voïage vers Rome. Je vous envoïe ce Gentilhomme porteur de la présente, pour dire plus particulièrement mes sentimens à V. A. & vous prie de lui ajouter foi, sur ce qu'il vous dira, que je suis plus que personne
Monsieur Mon Cousin
Votre très-affectionnée Cousine & Amie
CHRISTINE.
Auguste ce 20. Oct: 1655.

English translation (by Burbury):

Dear Cosen,
I approaching to your Highnesses Dominion, have thought it becoming me to advise you of my arrival, and entreat you to take in good part, that I passe through your Country to go finish the rest of my journey towards Rome. I send you a Gentleman, the Bearer of this, to tell more particularly my minde to your Highnesse, and beseech you to believe him, when he shall inform you, that I am more than any other person,
Dear Cosen,
Your most affectionate Cosen
and friend CHRISTINA.
Auspurge, Octob. 20. 1655.

English translation (my own):

My lord cousin,
Approaching Your Highness's state, I have believed I should notify you of my arrival and beg you to find it agreeable that I pass through there to complete my journey to Rome. I send you this gentleman carrying the present letter to express more particularly my feelings to Your Highness and ask you to put faith in him, from what he will tell you, that I am, more than anyone,
My lord cousin,
Your most affectionate cousin and friend
Kristina.
Augusta, October 20, 1655.


Above: Kristina.


Above: Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria.

Notes: In accordance with the nobility's ideals in the early modern era, kings and queens considered themselves siblings; when talking to someone of a lower rank than their own, they would refer to that person as "my cousin", regardless of whether or not they were related.

Augusta was the name Kristina used for the German city of Augsburg.