LIANCOUR (A. Wernesson de). Le Maistre d'armes ou l'Exercice - Lot 16

LIANCOUR (A. Wernesson de). Le Maistre d'armes ou l'Exercice de l'épée seule dans sa perfection... À Paris, chez l'Auteur, Fauxbourg S. Germain, rüe des Boucheries, s.d. (1686), oblong in-4°, red morocco, gilt fillets around covers, fleur-de-lys in corners, arms in center, spine decorated with a fleur-de-lys repeated several times, gilt edges (period binding). Collation: engraved title, 1 f. title, portrai t of the author, 3 ff. (dedication and preface), 100 pp. ch. 1 to 100, 14 pl. ORIGINAL EDITION and first printing. A second edition was published in 1692. In the 17th century, fencing became more than just an art of combat; like horseback riding and dance, it became part of the education received by the children of the nobility. It was under Louis XIV that the academy, founded in the reign of Charles IX, was organized. It obtained an absolute monopoly on teaching in France. The title of "Maistre en fait d'armes" was awarded after six years' apprenticeship with a member of the academy and a public test before three other masters. This is the background to André Wernesson de Liancourt's (1649-1712) treatise, which he dedicated to a member of the court, Louis de France (1682-1712), titled Duke of Burgundy by his grandfather Louis XIV. His text is in two parts: the first, in 17 chapters, contains highly technical descriptions, while the second is aimed at teachers, with pedagogical advice and exercises. A portrait of the author after Monet, engraved by J. Langlois in 1686, and 14 plates out of text by Adam Pérelle (1638-1695). A superb copy bearing the coat of arms of Philippe d'Orléans (1640-1701), known as "Monsieur", younger brother of Louis XIV. Some old color fading on boards. P. 55 has three pronounced spots with transfer to the facing engraving. Dimensions: 240 x 180 mm. Provenance: Esmerian (Cat. II, 1972, no. 137, reproduction), with his bookplate. Vigeant, La Bibliographie de l'escrime, 83; Gelli, Bibliografia generale della scherma, 393; Thimm, 165; Pardoel, n° 1501.01; Olivier, 2562, iron n° 1