Beautiful festival book celebrating the victory of Louis XIII over the Huguenots of La Rochelle
adorned with 16 large engravings, including one by Abraham Bosse,
preserved in its contemporary vellum with the arms of the city of Paris.
Paris, 1629.
From the library Ambroise Firmin-Didot.
Machault, Jean-Baptiste. Praises and speeches on the triumphant reception of the King in his city of Paris, after the Reduction of La Rochelle, accompanied des figures, both of the Arches of Triumph there and the other preparations.
Paris, Pierre Rocolet, 1629.
In-folio, 1 f. frontispiece, (4) ff. preliminaries, 180 pp. numbered (gap in numbering from p. 18 to p. 21 without missing pages), 11 pp. for La Rochelle at the King’s feet, (1) f., 15 full-page engraving plates including 14 out of text.
Vellum, double gilt filet border on covers, arms of the city of Paris stamped in gold in the center, smooth spine ornamented lengthwise with a double gilt filet border, gilt edges. Binding of the time.
358 x 248 mm.
First edition of the lavish reception organized in Paris for Louis XIII and his triumphant entry into his capital after his victory over the Huguenot stronghold of La Rochelle.
Cicognara, 1437; Ruggieri, 449; Vinet, 488; Berlin Catalog, 2995.
After realizing that the political rights granted to Protestants as well as their right to form an army were against the overall interests of France, Cardinal Richelieu besieged La Rochelle, the main fortress of Huguenot interests.
The king’s reception organized in 1628 thus celebrated the Protestant capitulation.
“Rare volume, adorned with 15 plates, depicting twelve triumphal arches and three chariots: the Golden Age, the Roman Circus, the Ship of the City of Paris. They were engraved on copper by Abr. Bosse, Melchior Tavernier and G. Firens.
Very beautiful copy with the arms of the city of Paris”. (Firmin-Didot Catalog, n°470)
This beautiful festival book is adorned with 16 large full-page engravings.
The first 12 depict the twelve triumphal arches erected for the occasion and celebrated the twelve royal qualities: Clemency ; Piety ; Renown ; Love of the people ; Justice ; the honor of naval battles ; Prudence ; Majesty du Roi ; Strength, dedicated to the Exploits of the King; theHonor ; Magnificence of the King ; the eternity of the Glory of the King.
The last 3 engravings represent the three chariots that were part of the royal procession.
All these figures were due to the joint talent of Melchior Tavernierand Pierre Firens.
At the head of the book is the large and beautiful engraving (305 x 230 mm) engraved from a drawing by Abraham Bosse, depicting the deputies of La Rochelle at the feet of Louis XIII.
This plate is often missing. (Benezit, II, 196-197).
Precious copy preserved in its contemporary vellum binding with the arms of the city of Paris.
