Félibien, André

FÉLIBIEN, André (1619-1695). Description de la Grotte de Versailles. Paris: L'Imprimerie Royale, 1679.
2 o (512 x 370 mm). Letterpress title with large engraved printer's device with royal coat-of-arms, 20 engraved plates (3 double-page). Contemporary French red morocco, presentation binding with gilt arms of Louis XIV (Olivier 2494 fer 10) on sides, framed by a triple gilt fillet panel with his crowned cipher in each corner, triple gilt fillet outer border, spine in seven compartments with six raised bands, gilt-lettered in second compartment, a repeated gilt panel in the rest with smaller crowned Louis XIV cipher (Olivier 2494 fer 21) at centers (slight wear to upper spine end, a few minor repairs). Provenance: Laboeuf de Montgermont (armorial bookplate); Robert de Billy (bookplate); Léon Gruel (bookseller's label); acquired from Marlborough Rare Books 1983.
FIRST EDITION. The Grotte de Thétys, designed by Charles Perrault, formed an integral part of the iconography of the palace and gardens of Versailles, depicting the Sun on his throne surrounded by the nymphs of Thétys, aligning Louis XIV with the solar imagery. "It was designed to represent the climax of the astrological myth of the entire garden -- the completion of Apollo's solar course and his return to rest in this underwater cave The grotto was a marvel of technical innovation. Félibien considered it to be a completely successful imitation of nature by art. The creation lasted only twenty years. It was destroyed in 1648 to be replaced by Mansart's north wing of the palace. However, its unique beauty is preserved with this recording by Félibien" (Millard). Berlin Kat. 3447; Millard, French 69.