Louis XIV [secrétaire] / Henri-Auguste de Loménie...

Rare manuscript document from the 17th century, drawn up under the personal reign of Louis XIV, dated August 11, 1661 in Fontainebleau. This official piece concerns a military commission granted to an officer, for a rank of ensign within a company of dragoons. Written in ink on parchment, the document presents an elegant chancery hand, accompanied by large flourishes and two signatures particularly noteworthy: A signature “Louis” [Louis XIV] [secretary] An important lower signature, attributed to Henri-Auguste de Loménie, comte de Brienne, Secretary of State under Louis XIV. An ancient handwritten annotation, preserved on the back of the frame, specifies the nature of the commission, its dating, and the attribution of the signatures. Presentation and conservation: The parchment is presented in a handsome antique wooden frame carved with a repetitive geometric pattern, with a light mat. The document shows a beautiful natural patina, old creases, minor folds, small perforations, and traces of use compatible with its age. The inscriptions and signatures remain clearly legible. The whole constitutes an interesting testimony to the royal and military administration of France at the very start of Louis XIV’s personal reign, a few months after the death of Cardinal Mazarin. The attribution of the signatures rests notably on the accompanying historical annotation and remains subject to expert appraisal. Photographs are an integral part of the description.

Estimate:£211.8

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