Festiva Ad Capita Annulumque Decursio, A Rege Ludovico XIV. Principibus, Summisque Aulæ Proceribus Edita Anno M.DC.LXII. Scripsit Gallicè Carolus Perrault: Latinè reddidit, & Versibus Heroïcis expressit Spiritus Fléchier.
In addition to the seven double plates, the pages 1-105 carry both engraved illustrations and printed text (the latter usually printed on the recto only). This sequence includes twenty-nine leaves carrying single plates with printed text; one double plate with printed text; ten leaves carrying five or more small plates (showing heraldic devices).
Most plates are unsigned. But the fifth double plate is signed as drawn and engraved by Israel Silvestre, and some single plates, head and tail pieces and initials are signed as drawn and engraved by F. Chauveau.
The two colophons state that the work was printed under the direction of Sebastien Mabre-Cramoisy.
The work is dedicated by Perrault to the Dauphin.
References
A. Adams, S. Rawles, A. Saunders, A Bibliography Of French Emblem Books (2 v., 1999-2002), no. F.473; Lipperheide, Katalog Der Freiherrlich Von Lipperheide'schen Kostümbibliothek (repr. 1963), no. 2708.
A survey of pageantry was B. Holme, Princely feasts and festivals: five centuries (1988).
Summary Note
This is the Latin translation of Perrault's Courses de Testes, published in the same year. The publication includes the same engraved illustrations as were used in the French version, but with Latin captions; but whereas the French illustrated text was printed as numbered folios, the Latin one has been printed as numbered pages.
Provenance
Recorded in RAA Library, Catalogue, 1802.
Binding Note
18th-century mottled calf, with royal arms of France gilt-stamped on upper and lower covers; rebacked with spine decorated in gilt in 18th-century manner and red morocco spine-label lettered 'Festiva Ludovicus XIV'.
Sports - Pageants - Costume - Dress - Tournaments - Martial arts - Devices (Symbols) - France - History - 17th century
Rulers - Monarchs - Publicizing - Public relations - France - 17th century
Pictorial works - France - 17th century
Armorial bindings - France - 18th century