Rare book: Statuts de l'Ordre du Saint-Espirit [Statutes of the Order of the Holy Spirit]. Paris: Engelmann et Graf, Imprimeurs-Lithographes, 1853. Impressive hardcover, 13.75 x 17.75, featuring 17 full-page chromolithographic plates brilliantly reproducing the 14th-century manuscript, with descriptive text by Louvre director Horace de Viel-Castel. Bound in beige cream 'python' leather covers embossed with 'Fleurs de Lys' (insignia of French monarchy), with 14 small rods of braided metal laid over silk flamlet (representing chivalry’s mantles with their flames made up of overlaid paillettes, half of each one being visible), surrounding a carved aureoled dove symbol of the Holy Spirit. The covers are secured by metal clasps with eyelets. In very good to fine condition, with repairs to the binding.
The New Order of Chivalry, the most illustrious of French Monarchy, was founded by Henry III, on December 31, 1578, dedicated to the Holy Spirit in memory of his accession to the throne of Poland (1573), then France (1574), on the day of Pentecost. The status was abolished in 1830, after the July Revolution. The order was also identified with the Order of the Knot ('Ordre du Noeud') and also as the Order of the Holy Spirit of the Right Will ('Ordre du Saint Esprit au Droit Désir') which had been founded in 1352/3 by Louis de Naples.
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