To maintain rights and privileges over many generations, deeds were repeatedly confirmed. To this end the owner would present the document to the original issuer’s legal successor. The latter would issue a new document, which repeated in full the text of the original. On occasion, the provisions of the original would simply be confirmed, sometimes however the new issuer would make additions. The recipient could in any event be certain that his rights and privileges were recognised, at least during the reign of the new issuer. Here the insert is immediately recognisable because two monograms appear on the document: those of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa (1122–90) and Emperor Frederick II (1194–1250).
By the Privilegium minus of 1156 the princes of the Austrian lands were granted special privileges. Among these was succession in the female line, which assured the continued existence of the dynasty in the event that there were no male heirs. This right applied not merely to the direct recipients of the deed, but also to their descendants. The Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 proclaimed under Emperor Charles VI (1685–1740) was based on this provision and legitimised the succession of Maria Theresa, as the Habsburgs became extinct in the male line in 1740.
As the other documents of the group described hitherto, this deed was written on calfskin parchment. The unusual appearance of the parchment, which was achieved by a special process of treating the animal skin, corresponds to that of an Italian document of the 13th century and thus diverges significantly from that of the other documents. The parchment was produced with such sophisticated craftsmanship that even experts are unable to detect offhand that it is not the skin of a sheep or goat, as was customary in Italy, but of a calf. The hair side is treated differently (how exactly is not known) with the result that it appears much more yellow and as though glued; the whiter flesh side of the parchment was used as the surface for the text.
The ink used for the text is very dark. The generally much reduced visibility in the IRR image and the very bright appearance in the x-ray radiographic image indicate the presence of iron gall ink.
The varying quality of the ink’s legibility in different areas as shown by IRR may possibly be attributable to the admixture of some carbon-based ink. However, the varying strength of the ink’s application, abrasion, and various surface effects also play a role. In addition to the noticeably rougher character of the parchment, divergent contrast effects of the script, which were caused by local pressure and smoothing of the parchment while the text was being written, are observable by IRR.
The gold bulla made of thin sheet gold (gold alloy) was transferred from an older, original document. In the centre of the obverse of the bulla thin cracks can be seen. The bulla seems to be empty. The course of the seal cords within is observable on the surface. Whether a locking mechanism comparable to that of the gold bulla of the Privilegium maius was used remains an open question. It may have been lost when the bulla was removed and transferred to this document in the 14th century. Slight damage visible on the x-ray radiographic image where the seal cords enter and exit the bulla may also have been caused at that time. The cords, which are threaded through the parchment, appear very similar to those on the bulla of the Privilegium maius.
The document sealed with a gold bulla and addressed by Frederick II to the Babenberg Frederick II contained the full text of the Privilegium maius. The terms of the latter were, however, broadened to provide that no Austrian vassal, or inhabitant of the country who possessed property, owed obedience to anyone other than the duke of Austria. Furthermore, the duke was entitled to wear a cross upon his crown and was exempt from all fees customary upon the grant of his fief. This document was also based on a genuine deed, the Minus-Transsumpt, only the text of which has been preserved as a copy. By this document Emperor Frederick II (1194–1250) confirmed the Privilegium minus, after a plan to unite Austria and Styria as a kingdom came to nought in 1245 at the last moment.
( C.) ‡ In nomine sancte et individue trinitatis amen. FRIDERICUS secundus divina favente clemencia Romanorum imperator semper augustus, Ierusalem et Sicilie rex. ‡ Iustis principum nostrorum peticionibus condescendere cogimur, quas nisi favorabiliter audiremus, obaudire, quod iuste petitur, per iniuriam videremur. Eapropter per presens privilegium noverit tam presens etas quam successura posteritas, quod noster excellentissimus princeps Fridericus dux Austrie et Stirie ac dominus Carniole, dilectus princeps et consanguineus noster, quoddam privilegium divi augusti imperatoris quondam Friderici avi nostri memorie recolende Heinrico quondam duci Austrie proavo suo dudum indultum nostro culmini presentavit, supplicans attencius, ut ei illud innovare et omnia, que continentur in eo, confirmare de nostra gratia dignaremur. Cuius tenor per omnia talis est:
[Insert von Nr. 2]
Nos itaque, qui fidem et obsequia nostrorum principum non patimur irremunerata transire, attendentes fidem puram et devocionem sinceram, quam predictus dux ad maiestatis nostre personam et sacrum imperium habet, pro gratis quoque serviciis, que nobis et imperio exhibuit hactenus fideliter et devote et que exhibere poterit inantea graciora, ipsius supplicacionibus favorabiliter inclinati suprascriptum privilegium divi augusti avi nostri predicti huic nostro privilegio de verbo ad verbum inseri iussimus omnia, que continentur in eo, de imperialis preminencie nostre gracia confirmantes. Igitur competit eciam nostro imperiali imperio illustri principi nostro predilecto Friderico speciali gracia graciando. Quapropter concedimus enim et damus eidem illustri principi duci Austrie hec subscripta ad habendum pro iure plenarie,
[1] ut nullus suorum feodalium aut suarum terrarum inhabitancium sive possidentium nulli alteri aliquid iuris obediant, excepto enim sibimet ipso nostro predilecto Friderico principi duci Austrie aut suas vices supplentibus sive potestatem.
[2] Concedimus enim nostro illustri principi duci Austrie crucem nostri dyadematis suo principali pilleo sufferendo.
[3] Volumus eciam, ut dilectus noster dux Austrie omnia sua feodalia sive iura liberaliter suscipiat dacione sine omni.
[4] Igitur iura omnia prescripta illustris dux Austrie rite et liberaliter tenere debeat in omnibus suis terris, quas iam possidet et in futurum possidebit.
Statuimus igitur et imperiali sanccimus edicto, quatinus nullus rex, nullus dux, nullus marchio, nullus princeps, nullus comes, nullus prelatus, nulla denique persona alta vel humilis, ecclesiastica vel mundana contra presentis innovacionis et confirmacionis nostre tenorem venire presumat. Quod qui presumpserit, indignacione [!] nostri culminis et penam mille librarum auri se noverit incurrisse, quarum medietas camere, reliqua vero parti passe iniuriam applicetur. Ad huius igitur innovacionis et confirmacionis nostre futura [!] memoriam et robur perpetuo valiturum presens privilegium fieri et bulla aurea typario nostre maiestatis impressa iussimus comuniri. Huius rei testes sunt: Chunradus Frisingensis episcopus, Heinricus Babenbergensis electus, Fridericus filius illustris regis Castelle, Růdolfus nobilis comes de Habchesburch, Ludowicus comes de Helfenstein, Albertus de Nife, et alii quam plures.
‡ Signum domini nostri Friderici Dei gratia invictissimi Romanorum imperatoris ( M.) semper augusti, Ierusalem et Sicilie regis. ‡
Acta sunt hec anno dominice incarnacionis millesimo ducentessimo quadragesimo quinto mense Iunio, tercio indiccione, imperante domino nostro Friderico gloriosissimo Romanorum imperatore semper augusto, Ierusalem et Sicilie rege, Romani imperii eius anno vicesimo quinto, regni Ierusalem vicesimo primo, regni vero Sicilie quadragesimo septimo.
Datum Verone, anno, mense et indictione prescriptis.
Im Namen der heiligen und ungeteilten Dreifaltigkeit, amen. Friedrich, der zweite, durch das Walten von Gottes Gnaden Kaiser der Römer, allzeit Mehrer des Reiches, König von Jerusalem und Sizilien. Wir sind gezwungen, zu den rechtmäßigen Petitionen Unserer Fürsten Uns herabzulassen, denn würden Wir diese nicht mit Gunst hören, so schienen Wir zu Unrecht das zu hören, was rechtens erbeten wird. Daher möge durch das vorliegende Privileg sowohl das gegenwärtige Zeitalter als auch die künftige Nachwelt wissen, daß Unser hervorragendster Fürst Friedrich, Herzog von Österreich und Steiermark und Herr von Krain, Unser geliebter Fürst und Verwandter, ein dem weiland Heinrich, Herzog von Österreich, seinem Vorfahren, einstens zugebilligtes Privilegium des weiland geheiligten und erhabenen Kaisers Friedrich, Unseres Großvaters zu wahrenden Angedenkens, Unserer Hoheit vorlegte, mit der eindringlichen Bitte, daß Wir geruhen mögen, es ihm zu erneuern und alles, was darin enthalten ist, aus Unserer Gnade zu bestätigen. Es lautet im Ganzen folgendermaßen:
[Insert von Nr. 2]
Wir also, die Wir nicht dulden, daß Treue und Werke des Gehorsams Unserer Fürsten unbelohnt dahingehen, haben in Anbetracht der reinen Treue und ehrlichen Demut, die der vorgenannte Herzog der Person Unserer Maiestät und dem heiligen Reich entgegenbringt, und auch gemäß den dankenswerten Diensten, die er Uns und dem Reich bisher getreulich und demütig erwiesen hat, und noch dankenswerteren, die er in Zukunft erweisen wird können, seinen Bitten gnädig geneigt, befohlen, daß das oben angeführte Privilegium Unseres vorgenannten geheiligten erhabenen Großvaters Unserem Privilegium hier Wort für Wort eingefügt werde, und bestätigen alles, was darin enthalten ist, aus der Gnade Unser kaiserlichen Vortrefflichkeit. Denn so gebührt es auch Unserem kaiserlichem Reich [und] dem erlauchten Fürsten, Unserem überaus geliebten Friedrich, dem durch eine spezielle Gnade gedankt werden soll. Deswegen gewähren und geben Wir denn demselben erlauchten Fürsten, dem Herzog von Österreich, das im Folgenden Geschriebene, um es vollgültig als Recht innezuhaben,
[1] daß keiner seiner Lehensleute oder derer, die seine Länder bewohnen oder besitzen, keinem anderen irgendwelchen Rechts gehorche, außer eben ihm selbst, Unserem überaus geliebten Fürsten Friedrich, dem Herzog von Österreich, oder denen, die seine Stelle oder Macht vertreten.
[2] Wir gestehen Unserem erlauchten Fürsten, dem Herzog von Österreich, zu, das Kreuz Unseres Diadems auf seinem Fürstenhut zu tragen.
[3] Wir wollen auch, daß Unser geliebter Herzog von Österreich alle seine Lehen oder Rechte ohne irgendeine Abgabe frei empfängt.
[4] Daher soll der erlauchte Herzog von Österreich alle vorgeschriebenen Rechte gebührend und frei innehaben, in allen seinen Ländern, die er schon besitzt und in Zukunft besitzen wird.
Wir beschließen also und bekräftigen es mit kaiserlichem Edikt, insofern kein König, kein Herzog, kein Markgraf, kein Fürst, kein Graf, kein Prälat, und schließlich keine hohe oder niedrige, kirchliche oder weltliche Person es wagen möge, gegen den Wortlaut dieser vorliegenden Erneuerung und Bestätigung anzugehen. Wer dies aber wagt, der soll wissen, daß er die Ungnade Unserer Hoheit und eine Strafe von tausend Pfund Gold sich eingetreten hat, deren eine Hälfte der Kammer, die andere aber der Partei zugeteilt wird, die das Unrecht erlitten hat. Wir befahlen daher, daß zur künftigen Erinnerung und ewiglich gültigen Kraft dieser Erneuerung und Bestätigung das vorliegende Privilegium aufgesetzt und durch eine goldene Bulle mit dem Aufdruck des Siegels Unserer Maiestät bekräftigt werden soll. Zeugen dieser Sache sind: Konrad, Bischof von Freising, Heinrich, Elekt von Bamberg, Friedrich, Sohn des erlauchten Königs von Kastilien, Rudolf, edler Graf von Habsburg, Ludwig, Graf von Helfenstein, Albert von Neuffen, und andere mehr.
Zeichen unseres Herrn Friedrich, des von Gottes Gnaden unüberwindlichsten Kaisers der Römer, allzeit Mehrers des Reiches, Königs von Jerusalem und Sizilien.
Geschehen ist dies im Jahre der Fleischwerdung des Herrn 1245, im Monat Juni, in der dritten Indiktion, unter der Herrschaft unseres Herrn Friedrich, des sehr ruhmreichen Kaisers der Römer, allzeit Mehrers des Reiches, Königs von Jerusalem und Sizilien, im fünfundzwanzigsten Jahr von dessen Römischem Kaisertum, im einundzwanzigsten der Königsherrschaft zu Jerusalem, im siebenundvierzigsten der Königsherrschaft zu Sizilien.
Gegeben zu Verona, im angegebenen Jahr, Monat und Indiktion.
(Übersetzung: Karin Zeleny)
Emperor Frederick II confirms the privilege of 1156 granted by Emperor Frederick I to Duke Frederick II of Austria (quotation inserted) and awards the duke further rights (Maius Transsumpt).
purportedly Verona, June 1245 (forgery 1358/59)
Parchment, gold seal on red silk cords
Vienna, Austrian State Archives, Haus-, Hof- und Staatsarchiv, AUR 708
A photograph taken under raking light, that is lighting the object from the side at a very flat angle, can clearly reveal different topographic effects.
The generally rougher character of the surface of the parchment and more pronounced abrasion of the text on its outer left and right margins can be seen. Highlighted also are creases resulting from the original folding of the document, obvious deformations, folds, and wrinkles.
The use of ultraviolet (UV) light induces some materials, including many organic media, to manifest a differently coloured and characteristic fluorescence. UV radiation may also be completely obliterated by absorption. This may provide preliminary information about materials and divergent compositions of material. Indications of changes and the condition of object surfaces, for example, subsequent alterations and damage, often show up more clearly in photographic images taken under ultraviolet light.
When examined under ultraviolet light a number of stains and discolorations of limited area, especially along the creases, may be clearly discerned. The differing fluorescent response of the inner (flesh) and outer (hair) side of the parchment of this “Italian” document are very clearly visible.
The technique of infrared reflectography (IRR) allows a more profound insight into the structure of objects. For the study of documents in particular IRR allows conclusions to be drawn about the inks used. The two most commonly employed types of ink, iron gall and carbon-based (soot) ink, differ clearly when exposed to infrared radiation.
Viewed with IRR the rougher surface structure of the parchment of this document becomes more apparent, in particular the areas at the margins which are heavier and more finely crumpled. Traces of scraping left during the production of the parchment may also be observed at some locations. A number of small defects along the folds were caused by mechanical exposure. Previous mounting of the document left traces in the form of a thumbtack mark and several small holes on the upper edge.
When X-rays penetrate objects they are absorbed differently depending on the object’s thickness and the presence of heavy elements before being projected onto x-ray sensitive film.
Anatomic structures (bone structure) in the animal skin used for the parchment are shown in a grey scale of varying lightness.
In addition to anatomical details of the complete animal skin—here too the spine runs vertically over the surface and the head is pointed downwards—the declining quality of the parchment towards the margins (stomach area) can be seen here particularly clearly.