16 - GENEALOGY OF THE HOUSE OF FRANCE. THE BOURBON BRANCH. No place or date, (Paris?) circa 1774; sheet engraved on the front only (490 x 745 mm) on a fine ivory-colored silk fabric edged with a sky-blue ribbon, original case made of thin, supple vellum.

GENEALOGY OF THE HOUSE OF FRANCE. THE BOURBON BRANCH. No place or date, (Paris?) circa 1774; sheet engraved on the front only (490 x 745 mm) on a fine ivory-colored silk fabric edged with a sky-blue ribbon, original case made of thin, supple vellum. Genealogy of the Bourbons from Robert I, who died in 886, to Louis XVI. It is unsigned, and although printed on satin, no other known copy has been reported. This could be a unique piece created in honor of the new sovereign. The silk fabric is exceptionally fine, of beautiful quality, and, above all, remarkably fresh—which is very rare: silk typically frays easily, but the fabric has been well preserved in a small case made of supple vellum. One can still make out the title written in ink two and a half centuries ago on the cap. The engraving is highlighted with watercolor to indicate the rulers of the elder branch, followed by the Spanish rulers (in purple).