Charles X of France Coronation Book Cardinal de la Fare Oration in Defense of Kings May 1825 Reims

$2,750.00

[Charles X Coronation Book] Sacre de S. M. Charles X. 34.5 cm x 26.5 cm. Full modern red morocco binding with gilt finishing on the covers and spine, five raised bands, with the coronation crown stamped on the front cover above the title, “Sacre de S.M. Charles X.” A collection of seven manuscript documents and five engravings relating to the coronation of Charles X of France. After the deaths of Louis XVI, Louis XVII and Louis XVIII, Charles X was crowned King of France in May 1825. Three of the documents were prepared for Cardinal Antoine-Louis-Henri de la Fare, Metropolitan Archbishop of Sens and Cardinal-Priest of S. Maria in Traspontina, one of two co-celebrants. They provide a unique insight into the preparation of Cardinal de la Fare’s great discourse during the coronation, in which he defended the institution of monarchy.

Description

Description

Front cover of the book of ephemera about the coronation of King Charles X of France.

Manuscript cover letter, 1 page, ink on paper, sent to the Cardinal presiding as celebrant at the coronation of King Charles X of France by Pierre-Marie Cottret, Bishop of Beauvais (12 II 1838 – 13 XI 1841) l’évêque titulaire de Caryste (3 V 1824 – 12 II 1844), signed as “P. M. évêque de Caryste,” 8 VI 1825, written from Rue de Clôtre, N. D., No 12. Bishop Cottret writes to the Cardinal about the importance of recognizing the legal limitation on the divine right of kings: “Il s’agirait, avant tout, d’appuyer notre nouvelle loi sur les anciennes ordonnances de nos Rois, et de couler à fond la question de l’appel comme d’abus.”
Bishop Cottret’s letter to Cardinal de la Fare, the first paragraph.
[Pierre-Marie Cottret] Quelques aperçus relatifs à la cérémonie du sacre de Sa Majesté. 1 sheet, 2 pages, unsigned. First, this overview sets out for Cardinal de la Fare the origin of royal power: “Elle vient de Dieu.” Citations from Genesis and Exodus are given. Citations on the unction, the anointing of popes and kings in their coronations, with Old Testament citations, are given. The distinction of being anointed, becoming one of “les oints du Seigneur,” designates a holy vocation: “cette onction est une vocation sainte.” Second, the overview addresses the exercise of royal power as meant for the well-being of the people. That the power of the king may be felt in a useful manner by the people governed, the majesty of the king becomes known by the dignity conferred by God. The movements of the king during the carefully choreographed ceremony are given their context. Bishop Cottret stresses the king’s understanding and interpretation of the laws arises from his anointing, which confers wisdom and confidence. The unction also unites the king to his people, as a father to his children.
[Pierre-Marie Cottret] Sur les orations qui sont en usage dans l’Eglise. Passages et réflections qu’on pourrait appliquer à la cérémonie de S.M. très chrétienne. 1 sheet, 2 pages, unsigned. For the primary text for the coronation discourse, Bishop Cottret cites Luke 4:17 “Tractatus est illi liber Isaiae prophetae.” Bishop Cottret: “L’oration sainte se trouve comme en harmonie avec ce caractère divan qui est une émanation de Dieu-même.” He continues with his defense of monarchy: “Rien de plus ancien que la royauté sur la terre.” Numerous citations from Genesis and even a reference to Homer follow, noting the oil poured on the grave of Achilles. Cottret returns to a king’s effectiveness or “Son efficacité,” to build on the unction, stating even Cyrus was one of God’s anointed, he then includes Cyrus, along with Charlemagne, King David and Saint Louis.
Bishop Cottret’s overview prepared for Cardinal de la Fare about the coronation oration for Charles X.
A partially printed form-announcement, dated 24 April 1825 from King Charles, in which he announces his intention to be crowned at Reims on May 25. The name of the recipient of this form is written in as “[Mon] Cousin le Cardinal Ant[oine] de Sens”. King Charles commands Cardinal Antoine-Louis-Henri de la Fare, Metropolitan Archbishop of Sens and Cardinal-Priest of S. Maria in Traspontina to attend and participate in the ceremony. Stamp-signed, “Charles.” There is a signature at the bottom of the page of a bishop which is illegible. As the announcement was opened, the letter opener cut through this signature. An old tape repair caused the misalignment of the two halves of the signature, making it illegible.
A printed invitation-ticket to a Coronation Ball, one page, with manuscript ink annotations, a stamp, seal and signatures, held on 31 May 1825 at the Hôtel-de-Ville, addressed to Madame Pétré, from the Comte de Chabrol, Préfet de la Seine.
Duc de Polignac. Maison du Roi. Service des Ecuries. 24 Mai 1825. Manuscript, ink on paper, with manuscript annotations in another hand. 2 pages, addressed to the Comte de Chabrol stating the need to send “les Voitures de Cérémonie” for the King’s entry into Paris following his coronation at Reims. Le Comte de Chabrol was advised to take whatever measures he thought necessary between la Carrière and the canal for the “Cinq Voitures de Service du Roi.” Signed in full by the Duc de Polignac.
Sacre de S. M. Charles X. Lemeni-Divan, Imprimeur à Noyens. Dated by hand 28 mai 1825 on the first page. 8 pages. A detailed account which begins with the horses bolting at the sound of an artillery salute as the royal procession was departing from Fismes, which resulted in injuries to members of the royal entourage, ranging from a cut ear to a broken clavicle. The description of the interior of the Cathedral at Reims is a very detailed description, naming Cardinals Clermont-Tonnerre and La Fare as co-celebrants officiating at the coronation. This unsigned but sympathetic account records the actions, the chants sung, and the progression of the event step by step. The binding of the Gospels used held a fragment of the True Cross. This is an account given by a clergyman in attendance. It is sympathetic to the king, but it does not quote the great royalist discourse given by Cardinal de la Fare, long associated with the French Royal Family since the time of Louis XV.
First page excerpt from a printed account of the coronation of King Charles X at Reims.
Engravings: A.R. Monsieur le Comte d’Artois Lieutenant Gal du Royaume. Dessiné après nature; le 12 Avril, jour de son entrée dans Paris. Gautier del et sculpt. À Paris chez Gautier, rue Poupée, No. 7. Sheet: 28.5 cm 21 cm, image: 17.5 cm x 13 cm. A hand-colored image of the then-Comte d’Artois, with a full-face portrait, sitting astride a white horse, in full military dress, wearing a blue sash. Fine on an untrimmed sheet.
A formal hand-colored portrait of the then-Comte d’Artois on a white horse, wearing a royal blue sash, as a Lieutenant General.

Entrée à Paris, de S. M. Charles X, le Bien Aimé. Le 24 Septembre 1824. An uncolored etching, unsigned. 11 cm x 14.5 cm. Charles is on a white horse, being cheered by a token crowd.

Gérard, François. Le Sacre de Charles X. Musée de Versailles. Drouart, Imp. Rue de Fouarre, 11. Sheet : 22.5 x 31 cm ; Image 13.2 cm x 26.5 cm. Sepia toned etching of the scene on the altar at Reims, when Charles X receives the homage of the French nobility.

The scene inside the Cathedral of Reims, as King Charles X receives the homage of the nobility.

Gérard, François, pinx. P. Adam, Sculp. 1826. Untitled sepia toned etching of Charles X standing in front of his throne with the crown, orb and sceptre on a pillow if front of him. Sheet: 31.5 cm x 24 cm; Image: 23 cm x 17 cm. Faint damp staining.

Untitled sepia toned etching, the view from the altar at Reims Cathedral, showing Charles X after he and his Queen had been crowned. Sheet: 31.5 cm x 23 cm; Image: 20.5 cm x 15 cm.