28 - A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF WATERCOLORS FOR A ROYAL LIBRARY

A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF WATERCOLORS FOR A ROYAL LIBRARY [UNIFORMS OF THE KINGDOM OF THE TWO SICILIES]. Armata di Terra e di Mare di S.M. il Re delle Due Sicilie Francesco I. [Naples?], 1830; large 8vo volume (250 x 180 mm) containing 444 plates, contemporary binding in ivory moiré silk, covers adorned with a wide rocaille border inlaid with pieces of red velvet, coat of arms gilded and mosaicked in red, blue, and white, plain spine adorned with a crown and three fleurs-de-lis, linings in ivory moiré silk decorated with gold fillets and fleurs-de-lis, cipher in the center, vellum endpapers, gilt edges, modern slipcase with flaps and a red morocco spine, case. A splendid and unique collection of military uniforms created for King Francis I of the Two Sicilies (1777–1830), nephew of Queen Marie Antoinette, father of the Duchess of Berry, and grandfather of the Count of Chambord. The volume contains 444 original watercolors, some enhanced with gold or silver, depicting the uniforms of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. They depict officers and soldiers in full-length views, facing forward or from behind, wearing various types of uniforms: everyday, ceremonial, winter, summer, and so on. The faces are sometimes stern, sometimes smiling, in a style of miniaturist painting that is quite rare when it comes to military uniforms. In addition to the uniforms, the volume contains a handwritten title page—adorned with the Cross of St. George, of which the King of Naples was the Grand Master—a page featuring a standard with the same decoration, and six plates of clothing embellishments: braids, insignia, kepis, etc. Several figures were later captioned in pencil. Some sheets bear the inscription “Commissario di Guerra – Diodati” on the reverse. Giambattista Diodati had participated in the Napoleonic campaigns of 1813–1815 and served until 1848, when he was appointed War Commissioner. The book’s covers bear the coat of arms of Francis I of Bourbon-Sicily, and the lining bears his crowned cipher. The volume was produced in the year of his death; it may have been given to his son, who succeeded him to the throne as Ferdinand II. From the collection of the Parisian notary Gustave de Ridder (1861–1945) (handwritten note). He had assembled a monumental collection devoted to military uniforms, the majority of which is now housed in the Print Room of the National Library of France. An exceptional and unique copy in perfect condition.