POSTES IMPÉRIALES
Book-shaped slipcase made circa 1812, bound in blue long-grained morocco, scrolled lace framing the boards, Napoleon I's coat of arms in the center, smooth spine decorated with stippled motifs, faux gilt edges (Lefebvre).
Case designed to hold, according to the inscriptions on the spine, the Nouvelle carte des postes et des États les plus fréquentés de l'Europe, published by Artaria in Vienna in 1812. The object was produced by Lefebvre, a renowned Parisian bookbinder who worked extensively for the Imperial Family.
The case remains perfectly fresh. The inside bears the bookplate of Count de Miramon, Napoleon's Chamberlain.
Format in-4° (215 x 165 mm).
Provenance
- Napoleon I, Emperor of the French.
- Jean Louis Gaspard de CASSAGNE de BEAUFORT de MIRAMON (1778-1816), 4th Marquis de Miramon, Count of the Empire, Napoleon's Chamberlain, Prefect of Eure and Indre et Loire, President of the General Council of Haute Loire.
- Osenat sale, April 12, 2015, lot 168 (sold for €1,110).
- Private collection, Paris.
