KING PHILIP IV (SPAIN) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/12/1657 CO-SIGNED BY: COUNTESS OF SALVATIERRA (ANTONIA MARCELA DE ACUÑA Y GUZMAN) - HFSID 53347

KING PHILIP IV OF SPAIN and CONDESA DE SALVATIERRA
The King corresponds with the Countess of Salvatierra, discussing the hot weather and his own good personal health
Autograph letter signed: "yo El Rey F[elipe]" translated, "I the King P[hillip]"in brown ink and "Condesa de Salvatierra" in brown ink. 1 page front and verso, 8¼x12. From the Countess of Salvatierra to King Philip IV of Spain: January 11, 1657. Madrid, Spain. Roughly translated: Report on the Infanta's improved health, with mention of good spirits and activities. Reference to the fine weather and certain visitors. Response from the King to the Countess: January 12, 1657. Royal Palace of El Pardo. Roughly translated: Expression of pleasure to hear of daughter's good health, with mention of personal good health and hot weather. PHILIP IV of Spain (1605-1665) ruled from 1621 over aSpanish empire at the height of its territorial expansion but beginning its economic and military decline. A pious king who also lavishly supported the arts, Philip enjoyed some foreign policy successes early in his reign, but was increasingly hard pressed to raise funds for Spain's many wars, including the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). The king had many children by his two wives and one mistress, but did not father a surviving male heir until 1661. Philip was a doting father, as this letter to his children's caretaker, the COUNTESS OF SALVATIERRA, suggests. MARGARITA TERESA (1651-1673) was Philip IV daughter with his second wife Mariana of Austria, the elder sister of Charles II of Spain, and the wife of her uncle/first cousin Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Corners and edges worn. Light surface creases. Small ink stains throughout. Small tears along edges. Otherwise, fine condition.