Spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church (1740-58).  Served in various posts in the Curia from 1700-27. Bishop of Ancona with personal title of archbishop. Created a cardinal in 1726 and archbishop of Bologna in 1731.
 
MS - Manuscript:  large (33"x25") papal breve on vellum dated September 1753. Untranslated Italian. Striking historiated capitals and borders. Usual folds and light toning. Overall in very good to fine condition. Lacking cords and leaden bulla.
 
Perhaps one of the best scholars to sit on the papal throne, yet often overlooked, he promoted scientific learning, the Baroque arts, reinvigoration of Thomism, and the study of the human form. Firmly committed to carrying out the decrees of the Council of Trentand Catholic teaching, Benedict removed changes previously made to the Breviary, sought peacefully to reverse growing secularism in European courts, invigorated ceremonies with great pomp, and throughout his life and his reign published numerous theological and ecclesiastical treatises. In governing the Papal States, he reduced taxation on some products, but also raised taxes on others; he also encouraged agriculture and supported free trade within the Papal States. A scholar, he created the Sacred and Profane Museums, now part of the present Vatican Museums. He can be considered a polymath due to his numerous studies of ancient literature, his publishing of ecclesiastical books and documents, his interest in the study of the human body, and his devotion to art and theology.