Ménestrier - L’art du blason - 1681

MENESTRIER, Father Claude-François (S.J.). — The Art of the Blazon, or the Science of the Nobles (Paris, 1681, original edition in contemporary vellum binding).
Paris, 1681.
In-12. Full period vellum with old title piece.
Precious original edition completed in printing on 25 July 1681 in Paris.
Indisputable reference in heraldry under the Grand Century, this work by Father Menestrier offers a clear method for the knowledge of armorial bearings: the shape of the shields (ancient, oval, lozenge), the rules of metal and color assemblies, the technical vocabulary of charges and devices (lions, leopards, eagles, chevrons, bands, sautoirs).

The major interest of this copy lies in its rich wood/engraved illustrations that review the concrete blazoning of the kingdom’s most prestigious families (Noailles, Lesdiguières, Mortemart, Chaponnay, Béthune, etc.).
Condition Report :

Copy preserved in its period binding of perfect authenticity in full natural vellum. Full rigid vellum of the period with a dark title piece at the head ("ART / DU / BLAS"). Vellum with a beautiful patina of the period with small light handling stains, binding very firm, well preserved and sound. Interior sound on fine 17th-century laid paper. Leaf bearing imprint of 1681 well present. In-text engravings/plates clear and well inked. Foxing and scattered ink spots.

The Jesuit Father Claude-François Menestrier was the organizer of fêtes, royal entries and funeral pomp for Louis XIV, but also the greatest genealogist of his time. His treatises served as the absolute reference for resolving rank and blazon disputes at the Court.