Hand-painted manuscript on paper, backed with linen, with vignettes and scrollwork surrounding central text of 9 lines. 37x50.5 cm. (14½x20").

This rare illuminated document, a letter of introduction for the carrier, a Doctor of Divinity, was carried by the owner to various sites, likely abbeys or other church venues, for presentation to the heads of the orders. It was re-used over a span of seventy-five to one hundred years, transferred from one Doctor of Divinity to another in succession as former either retired or died. Each bearer's name and date of possession was inscribed, and at succession was scratched or painted out with the current name and date, with the latest date being September 1770. The hand-painted figures surrounding the text include: St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639) with the Sacred Heart of Jesus which appeared to him at prayer; "Faceless or obscured image" Pontiff wearing the Crown of Christ, Holy See signifying all past, present, and future Popes; Jesuit Accountant signifying power and control of all finances; Annunciation of Angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary (Mary was 15 years old at birth); St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), Confessor and Friend of St. Teresa of Avila; St. Joseph with Christ Child (step-father of Jesus, father of Saints John & James - step-brothers of Jesus); St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231); St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), only female Doctor of Divinity in Church for over 400 years, who wrote over 1600 pages of detailed Church History. A very rare and interesting document.