Manuscript document in French, 2pp., quarto (155 x 213 mm), [Châtillon-les-Dombes, l'Église de Saint-André, 1617]. Faint circular ink-stamp of the Mairie of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, with manuscript note in French dated 1842 and signed by mayor Crillon, notarizing the Vincent De Paul's signature. Tipped to larger sheet (173 x 240 mm) with royal stamps and circular ink-stamps of the Mairie of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, consisting of a 1 p manuscript document again notarizing the signature. Accompanied by transcription and notes, dated 1839 and a letter concerning the document, dated 1842.

Christie's, 29 May 1998, lot 52

Manuscript document in French, 2pp., quarto (155 x 213 mm), [Châtillon-les-Dombes, l'Église de Saint-André, 1617]. Faint circular ink-stamp of the Mairie of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, with manuscript note in French dated 1842 and signed by mayor Crillon, notarizing the Vincent De Paul's signature. Tipped to larger sheet (173 x 240 mm) with royal stamps and circular ink-stamps of the Mairie of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, consisting of a 1 p manuscript document again notarizing the signature. Accompanied by transcription and notes, dated 1839 and a letter concerning the document, dated 1842.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Rare - only two documents signed by this important Catholic Saint have appeared at auction in the past two decades, including the present example. A legal document consisting of the last leaf of a deed from a register of minutes relating to the local parish, and signed by De Paul and 6 others, starting "Lequel servis annuelet perpetual dedict ... A promis de prometre par son permanente obligeant corps.. payer aussi de Srs Curés prestres et societtaires et a leurs successeurs..." Vincent De Paul (1581-1660), founder of the Lazarite order, was a French Roman Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor. In 1617, at Châtillon-les-Dombres, De Paul founded his first "confrérie de charité" to minister to the destitute and inform. This 'confrérie' eventually became what is now known as the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. He was canonized for this work in 1737.