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J'appartiens a Marie-Elisabeth-Joseph |
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THE collectors of ex libris in France include under this term not only the engraved
labels which were pasted into the cover of the book, but as well the heraldic marks of
ownership which are stamped upon the binding. To these the English-speaking collectors
have usually given the term, super libros.
Richelieu and Mazarin had large collections of books upon the covers of which their arms were stamped, and Mazarin was very particular as to the binding of his volumes, and put them in the hands of only the most skilful, Le Gascon, Saulnier, and Petit among them. The binders were, in fact, constantly employed in his library under his personal supervision, and upon some of these he had the conceit to place the lines, Arma Julii ornant Franciam "The arms of Jules, the ornament of France." The books of Jean Grolier, the veritable prince of bibliophiles, were not marked with a book-plate, but by gold stamping upon the elegant binding with which his treasures were so richly furnished. His library numbered fully three thousand volumes, which was indeed a large one for the days of early printing, and all of them were bound sumptuously. At his death this collection passed into the hands of Emeric de Vic, who was Keeper of the Seals, and who left them to his son, upon whose death they finally dispersed, many of the books falling into the hands of appreciative collectors. The earliest dated French book-plate has upon it the following legend : - Ex Bibliotheca Caroli Albofij E. Eduenfis Ex labore quies 1574- For some time this plate was thought to belong to some one of the name of Charles d'Alboise; but it is well established now that it was the plate of Charles d'Aileboust, Bishop of Autun, whose father had been the physician of Francis L, and who died at Fontainebleau in the year 1531. This Bishop of Autun is mentioned in history as a man of distinguished appearance, of great learning, of courtly manners, and of an amiable disposition. While connected with the Church he was also favored with Court appointments, and he died in the town of Autun at the very end of the year 1585, and was buried in the Church of St. Jean-de-la-Grotte. Another early plate, and one which brings to mind a magnificent library and an owner of note in the history of his times, is that of Pierre Seguier, Comte de Gien, Chancelier de France. He was born in 1588 and he died in 1672, having spent a long life and an active in the service of his country and in the numerous studies and pursuits which appealed to him. The law, science, and literature were favorite subjects, and the friendship of the most scholarly and polite circles of his times was his delight. With abundant wealth he was enabled to get together a most magnificent collection of printed books and choice manuscripts, and on account of his position of power and influence there were many who, to gain his good graces, made him presents of valuable literary treasures. Antiene Ruette was the binder of most of these precious volumes, and Seguier, who lived in the Rue de Bouloi, had his salons decorated by the celebrated artist Simon Vouet. Here his receptions were crowded by men of letters and by those holding high positions in State and Church, and it may be remembered that among his most distinguished visitors was Christina of Sweden. After his death his books were carefully cared for by his widow; but they were sold upon her death, although the manuscripts were preserved and are now to be seen in the Bibliotheque Nationale. The book-plate which adorned many of his books shows his arms within an architectural frame of good design, and over this is thrown the ermine-lined cloak his rank entitled him to wear. Two very interesting plates, dating nearly at the end of the seventeenth century, were used by the College of Jesuits in Paris to record the gifts of two munificent benefactors who were as well book-collectors of the greatest renown. The first of these was to record the gift of some eight thousand volumes and many manuscripts from Pierre Daniel Huet, Eveque d'Avranches. The good Bishop presented these books during his lifetime, and the Jesuit fathers gave permanent expression to their gratitude in the book-plate which shows the arms of the Bishop, and which they made in four sizes. The other plate was for the legacy of some two thousand volumes from the library or Gilles Menage, Doyen de St. Pierre d'Angers. The plate recording the gift of the Dean is not so elaborate as the other, but it carries with it the distinction of bearing a good date, 1692. Neither of these good churchmen seem to have used book-plates, for the bindings of their books were stamped with their arms. An account of these libraries may be found in L' Armorial du Bibliophile. Continued on this page |