[BIBLIOPHILIA - DECORATIONS]. Lettera...con cui si determina doverversi portare dal...cardinal Portocarrero...la gran croce ottogona di tela bianca sopra la mozzetta cardinalizia. Rome: Apostolic Camera, 1745. A work unrecorded at auction (RBH), attributing to Cardinal Francisco Joaquín Fernández de Portocarrero y Mendoza (1681-1760) the honour of wearing the cross of the Order of Malta on his cardinal attire. The cardinal is renowned for his role as patron of writers, scientists, and artists, as well as a passionate bibliophile. He donated to the Order a library of over five thousand volumes, significantly contributing to the foundation of what is now the National Library of Malta. Folio (310 x 215mm). Papal coat of arms to title-page, copper-engraved vignette at end, engraved initials. Contemporary gilt brocade paper wrappers (upper cover faded). (1)