Germain Demay [Sigillographie] - ‎Le costume au Moyen-age d'après les sceaux‎ - 1880

First edition of this important study on the seals of the Middle Ages by the archivist and sigillographer Germain Demay. He draws from it "the most curious and unexpected clarifications on the history, manners and customs of our ancestors" (Guiffrey (cf. Bibliography) p. 25.).

The author (1819-1886) began his career as a molder of seals at the National Archives, before succeeding the sigillographer Louis Douët d'Arcq as chief archivist of the historical section. ‎

Book with abundant iconography, in addition to the bands and ornaments, it contains 567 figures engraved on wood in and h.-t. and 2 inset chromolithographs under captioned scrolls.

Contemporary half-shagreen binding, decorated spine. Binding in excellent condition. mark of an old ex-libris (torn) on the first inside cover. Half-title/flying title page. Fresh interior, some scattered foxing. First original cover preserved.

In the Middle Ages, great importance was given to the use of seals. The author proposes a presentation of these, then an analysis of their representation by taking the examples of the royal costume, the feminine costume, the costume of war and ceremonial, civil and religious.

Germain Demay

‎Costume in the Middle Ages according to the seals‎

Paris, Librairie D. Dumoulin et Cie, 1880

Strong in-4, 28 x 19 cm; 496 p. (full)