112 - RARE EMBROIDERED ALMANAC FROM CIRCA 1785 COMMEMORATING THE BIRTH OF THE DUKE OF NORMANDY

RARE EMBROIDERED ALMANAC FROM CIRCA 1785 COMMEMORATING THE BIRTH OF THE DUKE OF NORMANDY Historical and Gallant New Year’s Gifts from the French. Paris, published by Jubert Doreur on Rue St. Jacques, undated [circa 1785]. In-18 format, lovely period binding in ivory silk adorned with a frame embroidered with gold thread, sequins and glitter; in the center, a composition set under glass consisting of multicolored sequins within an oval silver frame: on the front cover is a cradle supported by two dolphins, from which three heads appear to emerge (Madame Royale, the First Dauphin, and the Duke of Normandy, the future Louis XVII) and which holds up a Cross of the Holy Spirit, all beneath a canopy with two medallions depicting Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette; the other, on the back cover, depicts a trophy of Love made of polychrome straw, with two birds symbolizing the royal couple’s happiness and fertility. The pink silk lining—the first containing a small mercury mirror, the second pleated—features gilded edges. Inscription in pink ink beneath the design on the front cover: “La France / satisfaite.” Title page and 12 etched plates, all hand-colored in the period. In good overall condition, with traces of moisture in the gusset. Provenance - A volume presented as a gift on the occasion of the birth of Louis-Charles de France (1785–1795), Duke of Normandy, the future Louis XVII, possibly by or on behalf of the royal couple. - From the library of Robert Beauvillain, with his bookplate engraved by Charles Jouas. - From the library of Jean-Jacques S.