A relationship, an agreement, two bulls… here are the texts chosen by the author so as to highlight the privileged link between the Holy See and Monaco. They are all extracted from the Palace’s archives, and are dated from the late 14th century to the early 16th century. (full text in French)
Two documents, of the utmost historical importance, are translated from latin and preceded by some instructions. They refer to Jean Grimaldi’s feudal investiture and the donation of Menton and Roquebrune lordships by the Duke of Savoy (December 19th 1448). Then, the documents present Jean’s will, “charte fondamentale du droit grimaldien” (April, 5th 1454). (full text in French)
The archives, and more specifically the post mortem inventories, teach us that the ancient palace of Monaco's library has existed since at least the Renaissance and was continuously enriched through all major periods of history before completely disappearing under the influence of revolutionary confiscations. The review of its collections allow us to better understand its relations with the lords and the princes of Monaco, as well as their entourage. It also confirms their importance, quantitatively and in quality, which has made of the palace of Monaco's library at least equal of its homologues, notably the French ones. (full text in French)
This notarial charter is a receipt established in 1547 attesting that the lord of Monaco has given a reward to a fresco painter, Nicolosio Granello, for doing a very good job. As this receipt is the only known document which set out the name of an artist who has worked in the palace at that time, it has an obvious interest for dating and attributing the frescoes presently being restored.
(full text in French)
The diploma of doctorate in canon and civil law, obtained by Hercule Grimaldi in 1584 at the University of Pavia, is translated here from latin and commented. In addition to its outstanding aesthetic and technical quality, this charter contains a lot of informations about the doctorate in law in the 16th century, its requirements and procedures, at that special time of Europe’s history, during the Counter-Reformation. Moreover, the doctorate obtained by Hercule demonstrates real Grimaldi’s interest in University, which can play an important role not only in instructing monarchs, but also in promoting the symbolic image of the dynasty, by honouring its remarkable figures. (full text in French)