Costumes - des Représentans du Peuple Francais - 1796

An extraordinary document of the French Revolution: this rare work vividly illustrates in impressive colored copper engravings the official uniforms and France’s republican self-understanding under the Directory.
Verlag: Paris, chez Deroy, An IV de la République française (1795-96). Title page with a colored illustration of the Conseil de Cinq-Cent, followed by fifteen colored costume plates of French officials. In addition, 31 pages of content, including the title page, an advertisement and a table of contents. 21 × 13 cm. Half-leather binding of the period
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Rare and culturally historically highly interesting publication from the early period of the French Directory, published immediately after the Revolution and the introduction of the new republican constitution. The work documents the official uniforms of the representatives of young republican France and conveys a unique image of political self-presentation during one of Europe’s most tumultuous eras.

Particularly impressive are the finely colored copper engravings showing members of the Conseil des Cinq-Cents, the Conseil des Anciens, the Directory, the Tribunals, and numerous other state officials and functionaries in their official attire. The depictions combine revolutionary symbolism with antique forms and reflect the attempt to create for the new Republic a distinctive state iconography and representative dignity.

Each plate is accompanied by explanatory historical and institutional texts that describe the function, rank and significance of the offices depicted. Thus the work possesses not only high decorative appeal but also significant documentary value for the history of the French Revolution, political symbolism, fashion and costume history, and the early republican administration.
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Very decorative copy in an attractive contemporary binding with marbled covers and spine title. The paper slightly browned or with occasional foxing, but overall well preserved. The colored plates are in fresh and effective coloring."