Louis, Dauphin of France (4 September 1729 – 20 December 1765) was the elder and only surviving son of King Louis XV of France and his wife, Queen Marie Leszczyńska. He had a younger brother, Philippe, who died as a toddler. As a son of the king, Louis was a fils de France. As heir apparent, he became Dauphin of France. However, he died before ascending to the throne. Three of his sons became kings of France: Louis XVI (reign: 1774–1792), Louis XVIII (reign: 1814–1815; 1815–1824) and Charles X (reign: 1824–1830). Reference: Wikipedia
PUBLIC FESTIVALS GIVEN BY THE CITY OF PARIS ON THE OCCASION OF THE MARRIAGE OF MONSEIGNEUR LE DAUPHIN ON 23 AND 26 FEBRUARY 1745. [PARIS, 1745]. [FOLLOW-UP FROM:] PUBLIC PARTY GIVEN BY THE CITY OF PARIS ON THE OCCASION OF THE MARRIAGE OF MONSEIGNEUR LE DAUPHIN ON FEBRUARY 13, 1747. [PARIS, 1747].
2 works in a large folio volume (618 x 465 mm). Marbled calf, back with nerves decorated with gilt filets and florets, gilded edges ( Binding of the time ). Rubbed binding, skillfully restored hinges. Some discreetly burnished boards.
Original editions of these two famous holiday books celebrating the two marriages of the dolphin, father of Louis XVI, with the Infanta of Spain Marie-Thérèse de Bourbon in 1745, then with Marie-Josèphe de Saxe, daughter of the king of Poland, two years later.
The first book is illustrated with an allegorical title engraved after Charles Eisen, a frontispiece by Hutin representing the Dauphin, 4 architectural plans and 15 scenes on double pages engraved by Cochin father and son; the second of 5 double engraved plates depicting tanks and 2 double plates representing Place Vendôme and the fireworks.
The dolphin Louis, called to reign after Louis XV, married in February 1745 at the age of 16 Marie-Thérèse of Spain, union sealing the reconciliation between France and Spain. The public was invited to the balls given on the places of Concorde, Carrousel, Bastille and Dauphine. Marie-Thérèse died the following year after giving birth to a little girl who lived only 20 months. The dolphin remarried with Marie-Josèphe de Saxe.
Sold for 3.125 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2019
Labelled ‘PXXVI’ this is part of a set of twelve engravings of the 1729 production of Festa Teatrale. This three act opera about Emperor Charlemagne written and staged in Rome in celebration of the birth of Louis, Dauphin son of King Louis XV. The set was designed by the architect Nicola Michetti, the libretto written by Cardinal Ottoboni and the score composed by Giovanni Battista Costanzi. The image shows a battle scene, in the foreground of which groups of armoured soldiers are engaged in hand to hand combat. Harry Beard Collection.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
Portrait of Louis, Dauphin of France, as an infant, half-length, facing front with head turned to left, with lace bonnet adorned with feathers, and sash worn over dres; in oval frame resting on a ledge, with fleur-de-lys and dolphins decorating the corners. c.1733 Etching and engraving After: Alexis Simon Belle Print made by: Jean Daullé
Reference: © The Trustees of the British Museum
