[PADOVA UNIVERSITY]. Doctoral degree in utroque iure awarded to Girolamo Cavallo da Verona. Padua, 17 October 1554. A splendid doctorate from the University of Padua, entirely called in gold and richly illuminated, with which Girolamo Cavallo da Verona is awarded the title of doctor in law under the auspices of Gherardo Busdraghi (1500-1562), vicar general of the bishop of Padova. In the 16th century the doctorate was the highest academic degree in the legal disciplines and conferred the privilege of teaching in the main European universities, as well as representing a fundamental title for access to the highest civil and ecclesiastical offices. Precisely because of the prestige of the bestowal, the diploma bears the subscriptions of numerous professors and doctors of the Study of Padua. Among these is that of the promoter Marco Mantova Benavides (1489-1582), one of the most illustrious lawyers of the Italian Renaissance, professor of law, collector and patron. A figure of international fame, he was master, among others, of Giovan Angelo Medici, future Pope Pius IV, of Cardinal Antonio Carafa and of the prince-bishop of Trento Cristoforo Madruzzo; appointed hearer of the Sacred Rota by Pope Paul III, he also received from the emperor Charles V the title of Count Palatino. Scroll film (615 × 800 mm), entirely calligraphed in gold and illuminated in gold, and colors. Rich phytomorphic border along the left margin with allegory of Justice that supports the coat of arms of Girolamo Cavallo; autograph subscription of Gherardo Busdraghi and Lodovichus (? unreadable surname). Lack in the upper left at the border, some stains). (1)