La Vie Pénitente de Madame de La Vallière
By Madame de Genlis
Paris, 1807
Armorial Binding with Bourbon France & Spain
An extraordinary early 19th century French volume whose significance lies as much in its binding and provenance as in its text. This 1807 edition of La Vie Pénitente de Madame de La Vallière is housed in a finely executed armorial binding bearing the combined arms of Bourbon France and Bourbon Spain, surmounted by a crown denoting aristocratic rank.
Bindings of this nature were not produced for the open market. They were commissioned for a specific individual, most likely within the extended Bourbon royal family or a closely connected courtly circle. The presence of dual dynastic arms reflects the deep political and familial ties between the French and Spanish crowns following the Bourbon succession in Spain.
The crowned arms indicate noble ownership, placing this piece within a high tier of aristocratic or courtly libraries. Most plausibly, it would have belonged to a Bourbon prince or princess, a cadet branch of the family, or a noble in direct service to the monarchy with ties to Spain.
Further adding to its layered provenance, the interior bears the armorial bookplate of Stephens Lyne Stephens (1801–1860), an English politician and one of the wealthiest commoners of his time, known for assembling an important private library. This later ownership connects the book to 19th century English collecting culture, extending its story beyond France.
The binding itself is signed Relié par Bradel, referencing the refined Parisian binding style associated with durability and understated elegance, widely favored for high quality personal libraries in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The text recounts the life of Louise de La Vallière, mistress to Louis XIV, and her transformation into a life of religious penitence. Written by Madame de Genlis, the narrative would have held particular resonance in the post Revolutionary period, when themes of morality, redemption, and legacy were deeply felt among aristocratic readers.
This is not simply a book. It is a royal associated object, a collector’s piece, and a layered artifact of European history.
Condition
Very good antique condition
Binding remains structurally sound with age appropriate wear
Gilt armorial remains visible and well defined
Interior clean with expected toning
Bookplate intact
A rare and significant armorial volume combining royal association, literary importance, and distinguished provenance
La Vie Pénitente de Madame de La Vallière
By Madame de Genlis
Paris, 1807
Armorial Binding with Bourbon France & Spain
An extraordinary early 19th century French volume whose significance lies as much in its binding and provenance as in its text. This 1807 edition of La Vie Pénitente de Madame de La Vallière is housed in a finely executed armorial binding bearing the combined arms of Bourbon France and Bourbon Spain, surmounted by a crown denoting aristocratic rank.
Bindings of this nature were not produced for the open market. They were commissioned for a specific individual, most likely within the extended Bourbon royal family or a closely connected courtly circle. The presence of dual dynastic arms reflects the deep political and familial ties between the French and Spanish crowns following the Bourbon succession in Spain.
The crowned arms indicate noble ownership, placing this piece within a high tier of aristocratic or courtly libraries. Most plausibly, it would have belonged to a Bourbon prince or princess, a cadet branch of the family, or a noble in direct service to the monarchy with ties to Spain.
Further adding to its layered provenance, the interior bears the armorial bookplate of Stephens Lyne Stephens (1801–1860), an English politician and one of the wealthiest commoners of his time, known for assembling an important private library. This later ownership connects the book to 19th century English collecting culture, extending its story beyond France.
The binding itself is signed Relié par Bradel, referencing the refined Parisian binding style associated with durability and understated elegance, widely favored for high quality personal libraries in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The text recounts the life of Louise de La Vallière, mistress to Louis XIV, and her transformation into a life of religious penitence. Written by Madame de Genlis, the narrative would have held particular resonance in the post Revolutionary period, when themes of morality, redemption, and legacy were deeply felt among aristocratic readers.
This is not simply a book. It is a royal associated object, a collector’s piece, and a layered artifact of European history.
Condition
Very good antique condition
Binding remains structurally sound with age appropriate wear
Gilt armorial remains visible and well defined
Interior clean with expected toning
Bookplate intact
A rare and significant armorial volume combining royal association, literary importance, and distinguished provenance