Crispijn I De Passe (1564-1637) - L'addestramento equestre di Luigi XIII

Rara original engraving by Crispijn van de Passe, figure 40 from Antoine de Pluvinel, "L’instruction du Roy en l’exercice de monter à cheval", Paris, M. Nivelle, 1625, work of the first master of French equitation, first squire to Henry III and chief squire of the future Louis XIII, published posthumously in 1625 under the supervision of the illustrator Crispijn van de Passe himself.

Specimen on laid paper with watermark, with good margins beyond the plate, in good condition, only slightly abraded along the editorial fold, as visible in transmitted light (see photo).

Not signed, at the bottom center "Figure 40 2 partie.", the various figures present are indicated by names, Louis XIII is "Le Roy".

Within a rich architectural frame with a blazon, Louis XIII follows the teachings of M. de Pluvinelle, his cavalry instructor; beyond a railing, dignitaries on horseback observe the "lesson", on the right a boy watches from a corner.