Pierre Vallet | Le Jardin du roy tres chrestien Loys XIII, Paris, 1623

Pierre Vallet

Le Jardin du roy tres chrestien Loys XIII. Paris: published by the author, 1623

Folio (356 x 215mm.), engraved architectural title, engraved portrait of Vallet, engraved portrait of Jean Robin, 91 etched and engraved plates, contemporary mottled calf, binding rebacked

“THE FIRST IMPORTANT FLORILEGIUM… A WORK OF GREAT BEAUTY” (Blunt, of the first edition). The work, first published in 1608, was produced for Marie de Medici, consort of Henri IV, and intended as a pattern book for floral embroidery. Blunt goes on to note that “in view of the purpose for which the plates were made, it is curious to find that they are treated with complete naturalism and botanical accuracy”. The plates were drawn and engraved by Vallet, and were subsequently copied by De Bry and others. The text acknowledges the contribution of Jean Robin, director of the Royal Gardens, who introduced a number of exotics from Spain and the islands off the Guinea coast.

The first edition of 1608 names Henry IV on the title. For this second edition, which has been expanded to 91 plates opposed to the original’s 73, the king has been changed to Louis XIII.

LITERATURE:

Nissen BBI 2039 (calling for 90 plates); cf. Hunt 187 (first edition)