LECOY DE LA MARCHE. Les Sceaux. - Lot 208

LECOY DE LA MARCHE. Les Sceaux. Paris, Alcide Picard & Kaan, 1889. In-8, publisher’s burgundy percaline binding, with elaborate black-and-gold decoration on the covers and spine. Published as part of the collection of the Bibliothèque de l’Enseignement des Beaux-Arts, directed by Jules Comte. This work is one of the first French overviews devoted to sigillography, a discipline essential to the study of medieval institutions, heraldry, and archives. As an archivist at the National Archives, Lecoy de La Marche traces the history of the seal from the Middle Ages to the modern era, examining its legal, diplomatic, and artistic roles. The book is richly illustrated with reproductions of royal, princely, ecclesiastical, and municipal seals, including those of Charles V, Marie Leszczynska, Marie Antoinette, and René d’Anjou. These reproductions, executed with great care, make this volume a valuable reference work for historians, archivists, heraldists, and lovers of the decorative arts. A fine example of scholarly publications from the late 19th century, combining historical erudition with typographic quality. Condition The publisher’s decorative binding is preserved. Some minor rubbing on the headband, spine, and corners, nothing serious. Gilding is still well preserved. Paper is slightly yellowed, as is often the case. Interior is fresh and complete, with numerous illustrations in the text.