Imperial and royal charters after Ludwig the Bavarian

The reign of Ludwig IV (born 1282/86, ruled 1314-1347) revolutionised the Old Empire rulers’ charter system. Latin was displaced by the vernacular as charters became everyday media of law. Large-format diplomas with complex designs and elaborate forms were hardly issued any more. The royal charter’s external appearance was similar to the private charter. By detaching itself from the strict formalities of the High Middle Ages, the charter system opened itself up to new, diverse forms of design. Although simple diplomas now constituted the vast majority of all issues, the chanceries could continue to issue ostentatious charters on request or on special occasions.

The charters selected as examples from Karl IV (born 1316, ruled 1346-1378), Sigismund (born 1368, ruled 1411-1437) and Maximilian I (born 1459, ruled 1486-1519) are all privileges in German. However, they differ greatly in their external design. What is striking is how the text is represented. While Karl’s privilege seems compressed in proportion, the two younger ones appear larger due to much unused space and the attachment of the seals to string. Maximilian’s illuminated coat of arms letter shows how elaborately designed a late medieval diploma could be. Its representative effect and pomp are out of all proportion with Charles’ privilege in terms of appearance. How can this discrepancy be explained? It was probably in the interest of the recipients to obtain a diploma that was as elaborate as possible and expensive in its use of materials and design in order to obtain a new and permanent right. Karl’s privilege was limited in time. An ostentatious design was therefore not necessary. The same applies to Sigismund’s charter: the regular confirmation of traditional rights had become the royal chancelleries’ daily business.

Johannes Kroh