Juan de Maqueda Balderrama (or Valderrama), from Seville, was born around 1550 and became an officer of the Inquisition in 1579; this is his grant of nobility. The binding is very similar to others produced in the Granada chancery (see Exposicion de encuadernaciones españolas, plate XXIX, with the same border and the same shell, lion's head and corner stamps).,Folio (305 x 205mm.), [2 (blank)], 71, [1 (ruled but blank)] ff., illuminated manuscript on vellum written by S.º Barela (signed at end), three full-page illuminations containing the Virgin and Child with Philip II kneeling at her feet, a full-page picture of the Crucifixion, and the arms of Philip II, small portrait of Philip II towards end, all with red silk guards, modern calf binding retaining most of the original calf covering with gilt plateresque decoration, yellow and orange silk ties, printed fragments from original binding retained in plastic sleeve, first 2 blank leaves wormed and repaired, last few leaves wormed, slight rubbing to illuminations, one silk tie split, lacking lead seal.,Measurements: 31.5 cm x 22 cm