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Académie Royale des Médailles et des Inscriptions. MÉDAILLES SUR LES PRINCIPAUX ÉVÉNEMENTS DU
Description
Académie Royale des Médailles et des Inscriptions. MÉDAILLES SUR LES PRINCIPAUX ÉVÉNEMENTS DU RÈGNE DE LOUIS LE GRAND, AVEC DES EXPLICATIONS HISTORIQUES. Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1702. Folio [45 by 31 cm], original full brown calf, sides with French gilt fillet borders, impressed with the French royal arms in gilt; spine with six raised bands, richly decorated in gilt, with fleurs-de-lis and Louis’s cipher, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt; board edges decorated in gilt; gilt inner dentelles; all page edges gilt; marbled endpapers. Engraved allegorical frontispiece by [Charles] Simonneau l’aîné after Antoine Coypel, with the royal portrait by Rigaud; title vignette by Sébastien Le Clerc within unsigned border by Louis Simonneau; 286 finely engraved plates depicting both sides of 286 medals, with descriptive text within elaborately decorative borders, occasionally with culs-de-lampe; printed on rectos only; (6) page index [ll. 287–289]. The gilt arms on the binding were reworked long ago in an effort to rid them of their royal nature: the fleurs-de-lis are effaced, as are the top of the crown and the image of the sun. The nature of this “emendation” suggests that it was done during the revolutionary period. This is further suggested by what at first appears to be localized foxing to the obverses of the first 31 plates: discoloration that upon further examination appears to be residue from an early attempt to cover the royal visage and later efforts to restore the images [the iconoclast apparently tired after the first 31 plates]. Binding a good bit worn, as usually seen on this massive volume, but sound. The volume has been rebacked, with the original spine, minus occasional fragments, laid on. A few of the first 31 plates bear repaired tears; a few have small amounts of loss. The rest of the volume’s pages are near fine. Title page with 1724-dated inscription. A few notes throughout. Ex Alfred Gélis, with his bookplate. Very good, with defects noted.
The first edition of perhaps the most sumptuous numismatic work ever produced. Médailles sur les principaux événements du règne de Louis le Grand was created by the Académie Royale des Médailles et des Inscriptions and was intended not simply to be a record of the medals of Louis XIV, but a carefully constructed history of his reign. In The Fabrication of Louis XIV, Peter Burke discusses the publication of this work. The king himself was deeply involved in its execution and wished to supplant the previous work on the subject by Menestrier. Burke states that the decision to exclude certain medals was made at the highest levels. From the birth of Louis XIV in 1638 and his ascension to the throne on the death of Louis XIII less than five years later, this work traces the important events in the life of this illustrious monarch as well as the history of France itself. Louis was intensely interested in the arts and did much to create the reputation France still enjoys as a worldwide center of culture. He was determined to expand the royal coin cabinet and issued commemorative medals on many occasions. This devotion to numismatics and historiography is reflected in the physical production of this volume. The finest engravers were hired, the best paper available was used, and the bindings tend to be beautiful and ornate. One does not acquire the sobriquet Le Roi Soleil due to one’s simplicity of taste. Even the font used to print the text was specially created for Louis: Romain du Roy was designed by Philippe Grandjean (1666–1714) around 1700, having been in development since 1693. This was the first work printed in this font, which attempted to use scientific principles to develop a font that was both practical and elegant. Only the royal press could use the fonts, which continued to be developed through 1745. The historical descriptions of the medals were written by Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux (1636–171
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Académie Royale des Médailles et des Inscriptions. MÉDAILLES SUR LES PRINCIPAUX ÉVÉNEMENTS DU RÈGNE DE LOUIS LE GRAND, AVEC DES EXPLICATIONS HISTORIQUES. Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1702. Folio [45 by 31 cm], original full brown calf, sides with French gilt fillet borders, impressed with the French royal arms in gilt; spine with six raised bands, richly decorated in gilt, with fleurs-de-lis and Louis’s cipher, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt; board edges decorated in gilt; gilt inner dentelles; all page edges gilt; marbled endpapers. Engraved allegorical frontispiece by [Charles] Simonneau l’aîné after Antoine Coypel, with the royal portrait by Rigaud; title vignette by Sébastien Le Clerc within unsigned border by Louis Simonneau; 286 finely engraved plates depicting both sides of 286 medals, with descriptive text within elaborately decorative borders, occasionally with culs-de-lampe; printed on rectos only; (6) page index [ll. 287–289]. The gilt arms on the binding were reworked long ago in an effort to rid them of their royal nature: the fleurs-de-lis are effaced, as are the top of the crown and the image of the sun. The nature of this “emendation” suggests that it was done during the revolutionary period. This is further suggested by what at first appears to be localized foxing to the obverses of the first 31 plates: discoloration that upon further examination appears to be residue from an early attempt to cover the royal visage and later efforts to restore the images [the iconoclast apparently tired after the first 31 plates]. Binding a good bit worn, as usually seen on this massive volume, but sound. The volume has been rebacked, with the original spine, minus occasional fragments, laid on. A few of the first 31 plates bear repaired tears; a few have small amounts of loss. The rest of the volume’s pages are near fine. Title page with 1724-dated inscription. A few notes throughout. Ex Alfred Gélis, with his bookplate. Very good, with defects noted.
The first edition of perhaps the most sumptuous numismatic work ever produced. Médailles sur les principaux événements du règne de Louis le Grand was created by the Académie Royale des Médailles et des Inscriptions and was intended not simply to be a record of the medals of Louis XIV, but a carefully constructed history of his reign. In The Fabrication of Louis XIV, Peter Burke discusses the publication of this work. The king himself was deeply involved in its execution and wished to supplant the previous work on the subject by Menestrier. Burke states that the decision to exclude certain medals was made at the highest levels. From the birth of Louis XIV in 1638 and his ascension to the throne on the death of Louis XIII less than five years later, this work traces the important events in the life of this illustrious monarch as well as the history of France itself. Louis was intensely interested in the arts and did much to create the reputation France still enjoys as a worldwide center of culture. He was determined to expand the royal coin cabinet and issued commemorative medals on many occasions. This devotion to numismatics and historiography is reflected in the physical production of this volume. The finest engravers were hired, the best paper available was used, and the bindings tend to be beautiful and ornate. One does not acquire the sobriquet Le Roi Soleil due to one’s simplicity of taste. Even the font used to print the text was specially created for Louis: Romain du Roy was designed by Philippe Grandjean (1666–1714) around 1700, having been in development since 1693. This was the first work printed in this font, which attempted to use scientific principles to develop a font that was both practical and elegant. Only the royal press could use the fonts, which continued to be developed through 1745. The historical descriptions of the medals were written by Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux (1636–171
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Important Information
Lots may be viewed by appointment at the offices of Kolbe & Fanning in Gahanna, Ohio from December 1 until December 23, 2012.
Selected lots may be viewed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, Eighteenth Floor Meeting Room Level: The Library, on Thursday, January 10, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m
Friday, January 11, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m
Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Payment: Kolbe & Fanning accept payment via credit card, though the 3% bank fee will be added to the invoice. Cards accepted include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club.
Bidding Instructions
Internet Bidding: Advance registration required at www.the-saleroom.com
Mail and fax bids must arrive in Gahanna by Monday, January 7, 2013.
No mail or fax bids arriving after that day will be processed and no telephone message bids left after January 7, 2013 on the Gahanna business line will be accepted.
Email bids will be accepted until Friday, January 11, 2013. No email bids arriving on January 12, 2013 will be processed. From January 8 to January 11, 2013, telephone bids may be placed by calling (614) 256-8915.
An eighteen percent buyer’s premium will be added to the cost of all lots purchased by absentee bidders, including those bidding by mail, phone, fax, email or the internet.
Selected lots may be viewed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, Eighteenth Floor Meeting Room Level: The Library, on Thursday, January 10, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m
Friday, January 11, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m
Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Payment: Kolbe & Fanning accept payment via credit card, though the 3% bank fee will be added to the invoice. Cards accepted include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club.
Bidding Instructions
Internet Bidding: Advance registration required at www.the-saleroom.com
Mail and fax bids must arrive in Gahanna by Monday, January 7, 2013.
No mail or fax bids arriving after that day will be processed and no telephone message bids left after January 7, 2013 on the Gahanna business line will be accepted.
Email bids will be accepted until Friday, January 11, 2013. No email bids arriving on January 12, 2013 will be processed. From January 8 to January 11, 2013, telephone bids may be placed by calling (614) 256-8915.
An eighteen percent buyer’s premium will be added to the cost of all lots purchased by absentee bidders, including those bidding by mail, phone, fax, email or the internet.
Terms & Conditions
Terms of Sale
Please note that the Terms of Sale for this public auction differ from those of our mail-bid sales and that bidders should be aware of the following.
1. This is a public auction and mail-bid sale. All lots will be sold to the highest bidder. Mail bids (as well as those relayed by fax, email or phone) will be treated as limits and lots will be purchased below these limits where competition permits. Lots will be sold on the date indicated.
2. Absentee bidders should be mindful that bids submitted in irregular increments may be rounded to a lower bid to comply with the auctioneer’s established bidding increments.
3. Unless exempt by law, the buyer will be required to pay, on the total purchase price, the established New York sales tax or any applicable compensating use tax of any other state. Lots delivered in Ohio will be subject to 7.5% sales tax.
4. All floor sales are final. No lots may be returned for any reason by floor buyers. Any claims for adjustment by mail bidders must be made within three days after receipt of lots purchased. No lots may be returned without our written permission. By submitting bids you agree to the Terms of Sale herewith set forth.
5. Bidders unknown to us must supply acceptable credit references or a 25% deposit to assure entry of their bids.
6. This is a reserve auction. The estimates of value are intended solely as a guide. Generally, bidding will start at two-thirds of estimate.
7. An eighteen percent buyer’s premium will be added to the cost of all lots purchased by absentee bidders, including those bidding by mail, phone, fax, email or the internet. A reduced buyer’s premium of fifteen percent will be added to the cost of all lots purchased by floor bidders. There is no additional charge or commission for executing your bids.
8. We reserve the right to withdraw any lot prior to sale for any reason.
9. All postage, insurance and shipping charges will be added to your invoice. There will be a $5.00 charge per lot for processing. A late payment fee of 2% per month will be charged on accounts remaining unpaid 30 days after the sale.
10. Terms of this sale are strictly cash in United States funds. Foreign payments must be made in dollars. All checks must be drawn on United States banks, must have electronic encoding, and all bank charges must be paid by the sender. Payments may also be made directly to our bank. Details will be provided upon request. Invoices may be paid by credit card or PayPal, but the bidder agrees to pay a 3% bank fee for doing so.
11. Lots to be mailed to addresses not in the United States or its Territories will be sent only at the risk of the purchaser. When possible, insurance or registration will be obtained.
12. Title to all lots remains with the cataloguer until paid for in full. Payment must be made immediately upon notification or upon receipt of material. The discretionary right to withhold delivery of lots until full payment has been received is reserved.
13. All books are as described. We acknowledge the possibility of errors or typographical mistakes, and any errors on our part will be cheerfully corrected. We cannot be responsible for your errors; please check your bid sheet carefully.
14. In compliance with New York State law, Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers LLC attest to being the owner of all lots offered here at auction except for those whose provenance is stated in the catalogue.
15. Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers LLC are licensed by the State of Ohio Department of Agriculture (license 2011000028) as an auction firm, and are bonded as required by law in favor of the State of Ohio.
See Full Terms And Conditions
Please note that the Terms of Sale for this public auction differ from those of our mail-bid sales and that bidders should be aware of the following.
1. This is a public auction and mail-bid sale. All lots will be sold to the highest bidder. Mail bids (as well as those relayed by fax, email or phone) will be treated as limits and lots will be purchased below these limits where competition permits. Lots will be sold on the date indicated.
2. Absentee bidders should be mindful that bids submitted in irregular increments may be rounded to a lower bid to comply with the auctioneer’s established bidding increments.
3. Unless exempt by law, the buyer will be required to pay, on the total purchase price, the established New York sales tax or any applicable compensating use tax of any other state. Lots delivered in Ohio will be subject to 7.5% sales tax.
4. All floor sales are final. No lots may be returned for any reason by floor buyers. Any claims for adjustment by mail bidders must be made within three days after receipt of lots purchased. No lots may be returned without our written permission. By submitting bids you agree to the Terms of Sale herewith set forth.
5. Bidders unknown to us must supply acceptable credit references or a 25% deposit to assure entry of their bids.
6. This is a reserve auction. The estimates of value are intended solely as a guide. Generally, bidding will start at two-thirds of estimate.
7. An eighteen percent buyer’s premium will be added to the cost of all lots purchased by absentee bidders, including those bidding by mail, phone, fax, email or the internet. A reduced buyer’s premium of fifteen percent will be added to the cost of all lots purchased by floor bidders. There is no additional charge or commission for executing your bids.
8. We reserve the right to withdraw any lot prior to sale for any reason.
9. All postage, insurance and shipping charges will be added to your invoice. There will be a $5.00 charge per lot for processing. A late payment fee of 2% per month will be charged on accounts remaining unpaid 30 days after the sale.
10. Terms of this sale are strictly cash in United States funds. Foreign payments must be made in dollars. All checks must be drawn on United States banks, must have electronic encoding, and all bank charges must be paid by the sender. Payments may also be made directly to our bank. Details will be provided upon request. Invoices may be paid by credit card or PayPal, but the bidder agrees to pay a 3% bank fee for doing so.
11. Lots to be mailed to addresses not in the United States or its Territories will be sent only at the risk of the purchaser. When possible, insurance or registration will be obtained.
12. Title to all lots remains with the cataloguer until paid for in full. Payment must be made immediately upon notification or upon receipt of material. The discretionary right to withhold delivery of lots until full payment has been received is reserved.
13. All books are as described. We acknowledge the possibility of errors or typographical mistakes, and any errors on our part will be cheerfully corrected. We cannot be responsible for your errors; please check your bid sheet carefully.
14. In compliance with New York State law, Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers LLC attest to being the owner of all lots offered here at auction except for those whose provenance is stated in the catalogue.
15. Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers LLC are licensed by the State of Ohio Department of Agriculture (license 2011000028) as an auction firm, and are bonded as required by law in favor of the State of Ohio.
