1691 – History of Louis XIV the Great | French Numismatics & Symbolism, Medals

A rare history of the reign of King Louis XIV of France by Claude-François Ménestrier, an important Jesuit author. This book, ‘History of King Louis the Great, Medals, Emblems’ was the first historical account of a modern individual. In this first-hand account, Menestrier used medals, heraldic devices, and emblems drawn from the collection of Francis de la Chaise. Menestrier was a professor of rhetoric and cared for the organizing of festivals and ceremonies during the passage of Louis XIV to Lyon in 1685.

This 1691 is a pirated Dutch edition printed in Amsterdam, even though the title page states Paris. This edition includes five plates that were satirical and ‘anti-Louis’ in nature than did not appear in the Paris edition. (Saffroy). Other plates include views of Places de Victories, arms of Chevaliers of the Ordre du Saint-Esprit and more.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Histoire du Roy Louis le Grand par les Médailles, Emblêmes, Devises, Jettons, Inscriptions, Armoiries, et autres Monumens publics
• Author(s): Claude-François Ménestrier
• Publisher: Paris: chez J.B. Nolin, 1691 (actually Amsterdam, P. Mortier)
• Edition: Pirated Dutch edition, 1691.
  • Note: Title page states ‘augmentee de 5 planches’ (plates 39-43)
• Binding: softcover
• Format: Folio (single volume)
• Size:  12.5 in x 8 in (32 cm x 20.5 cm)
• Collation: [4], 3–64 leaves
• Illustrations: 61 engraved plates including satirical additions
• Contents Include:
  • Médailles and Jettons tied to political episodes
  • Symbolic arms of royal orders
  • Views of monuments such as Place des Victoires
  • Emblems used in public ceremonies
• Reference(s): Saffroy I: 3380

Condition:

Good. Original marbled wrappers with moderate rubbing. Softcover binding intact, edges worn. Text block secure. Pages show consistent age toning with some edge wear and rubbing. Complete with all 61 engraved plates.

Why Collect This?

• Contains five satirical plates omitted from French edition
• Pirated Amsterdam issue with politically charged iconography
• Among the earliest French biographical medallic histories

Item Number: # 29795