LOUIS XVI – [PICHON, Thomas Jean; GOBET, Nicholas]. Le sacre et couronnement de Louis XVI. Paris: Vente, 1775.

From the library of Irene Roosevelt Aitken, first edition platebook recording the Coronation of Louis XVI at Reims on 11 June 1775, in a contemporary French binding bearing the arms of Louis XVI. The Robert Hoe copy. The double-page plates show the emotional and solemn coronation ceremony held in Reims Cathedral, as well as the festive dinner that took place after the coronation with Marie Antoinette in attendance on the small balcony above the room. The costume plates illustrate three of the King's outfits for the occasion, as well as those of the Duke of Normandy, the Duke of Burgundy and the Master of Ceremonies among other notable participants. This edition shows the adoration of the French citizens towards their King and Queen and their enthusiastic response to the festivities surrounding the coronation, which took place less than 20 years before the Reign of Terror.

Quarto (250 x 192mm). Half-title, two engraved title-pages, engraved folding plan of the city of Reims, 10 double-page plates, 39 engraved full-page costume plates, 14 engraved vignettes, engraved tailpieces
(spotting, occasional toned leaves and small stains, registration error in A1's headpiece, neat puncture in quire T, small tear in plan's boarder). Contemporary French red morocco, triple-fillet frame tooled in gold on covers, large arms of Louis XVI between fleur-de-lys cornerpieces in gold on covers, six spine compartments, five tooled with Louis XVI's royal cypher between fleur-de-lys cornerpieces, double-fillet board edges and turn-ins in gold, green endleaves, edges gilt (spine toned with light cracking in joints, rubbed). Provenance: Robert Hoe (1839–1909; leather label).