![ERCILLA Y ZÚÑIGA, ALONSO DE (1533-1594). Autograph letter signed ('Don Alonso de Ercilla') to [Adam von Dietrichstein], Madrid, 3 October 1579.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/CKS/2015_CKS_10457_0031_000(ercilla_y_zuniga_alonso_de_autograph_letter_signed_to_adam_von_dietric101023).jpg?w=1)
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ERCILLA Y ZÚÑIGA, ALONSO DE (1533-1594). Autograph letter signed ('Don Alonso de Ercilla') to [Adam von Dietrichstein], Madrid, 3 October 1579.
3 pages, small folio (287 x 197 mm), bifolium, address docket (dispatch slits, lightly browned and soiled).
ERCILLA MANAGES THE CONTINUING POLITICAL FALLOUT OF THE MURDER OF JOHN OF AUSTRIA'S SECRETARY. Writing to the Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador to Spain, Ercilla reviews the political situation in Madrid a year after the murder of Don John of Austria's agent, Juan de Escobedo, arranged by Philip II's secretary, Antonio Pérez. The Princess of Eboli – with whom Pérez had colluded to act against Escobedo, who was accused of intriguing against Philip II – remains in prison ['se esta con la misma clausura que el dia primero'], 'without an easing of any thing', whilst the fact that Pérez is allowed to be accompanied by his wife when he goes about his duties is the cause of some unrest and talk ['es cosa que espanta y haze que el bulgo ymagine diversas cosas']. Ercilla notes that the Duke of Alba is confined at home 'con limite que no salga una legua entorno', and also imparts the latest information on the king of Portugal's ill-health – 'no se quiere morir tan presto como su edad y enfermedades prometen' – as well as discussing business affairs.
The soldier and poet Alonso de Ercilla y y Zúñiga is best known for his tripartite epic poem La Araucana (published 1569-90) which recounts events of the colonial Arauco War in Chile, in which he participated. The poem has some claim to be the first significant poetic work devoted to events in the New World. Born into a noble family, Ercilla was present at court from an early age; he travelled with Prince Philip (later Philip II) to Europe as a 15-year old page, and was present at his wedding to Mary I. According to ABPC/Americana Exchange, no other document by or relating to Ercilla y Zúñiga has appeared at international auction in the last 40 years.
3 pages, small folio (287 x 197 mm), bifolium, address docket (dispatch slits, lightly browned and soiled).
ERCILLA MANAGES THE CONTINUING POLITICAL FALLOUT OF THE MURDER OF JOHN OF AUSTRIA'S SECRETARY. Writing to the Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador to Spain, Ercilla reviews the political situation in Madrid a year after the murder of Don John of Austria's agent, Juan de Escobedo, arranged by Philip II's secretary, Antonio Pérez. The Princess of Eboli – with whom Pérez had colluded to act against Escobedo, who was accused of intriguing against Philip II – remains in prison ['se esta con la misma clausura que el dia primero'], 'without an easing of any thing', whilst the fact that Pérez is allowed to be accompanied by his wife when he goes about his duties is the cause of some unrest and talk ['es cosa que espanta y haze que el bulgo ymagine diversas cosas']. Ercilla notes that the Duke of Alba is confined at home 'con limite que no salga una legua entorno', and also imparts the latest information on the king of Portugal's ill-health – 'no se quiere morir tan presto como su edad y enfermedades prometen' – as well as discussing business affairs.
The soldier and poet Alonso de Ercilla y y Zúñiga is best known for his tripartite epic poem La Araucana (published 1569-90) which recounts events of the colonial Arauco War in Chile, in which he participated. The poem has some claim to be the first significant poetic work devoted to events in the New World. Born into a noble family, Ercilla was present at court from an early age; he travelled with Prince Philip (later Philip II) to Europe as a 15-year old page, and was present at his wedding to Mary I. According to ABPC/Americana Exchange, no other document by or relating to Ercilla y Zúñiga has appeared at international auction in the last 40 years.
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