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285 - TOUSART (Jean-Antoine). Diplomata pontificia et regia.... A …
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Estimate €600 - €700
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Description
TOUSART (Jean-Antoine). Diplomata pontificia et regia.... A collection of Letters Patent, Edicts, Declarations, Judgements, and Other Documents concerning the Regular and Hospitaller Order of the Holy Spirit of Montpellier. An important collection on the history of the Order of Hospitallers in a very fine contemporary full red morocco binding. Paris, Widow of Jacques Lefebvre, 1723. Two volumes in one folio volume (380 x 260 mm). Full red morocco, triple gilt fillet framing the covers with embossed fleurons at the corners, spine with six raised bands richly decorated with gilt medallions. Gilt edges on marbled paper. Contemporary binding. 6 unnumbered folios, XII, 6 unnumbered folios, 171 pp.; 6 unnumbered folios, 448 pp. Slight scratches on the covers, 3 corners pierced. Rare foxing. A few defects with missing characters or stuck-together leaves, occasionally affecting readability: in Volume I (pp. 116–117) and in Volume II (title page, pp. 12–13, 57–59, 104–105 and 116–117). The original and only edition of this important collection of papal and royal documents (in Latin and French) concerning the recognition of the Order of the Hospitallers of the Holy Spirit of Montpellier. The work, compiled and annotated by Brother Jean-Antoine Tousart, is adorned with an allegorical vignette featuring the coats of arms of the Order and of Cardinal de Polignac, to whom the work is dedicated. Behind the documentary rigour of the collection lies a scandalous editorial history. Tousart, a controversial figure once imprisoned at Bicêtre, conceived this work in a Gallican spirit, not hesitating to mix authentic deeds with apocryphal documents to rewrite the origins of the Order. This interpretation, which portrayed the founder Gui de Montpellier as a mere instrument of the papacy, caused a sharp schism within the Order: whilst the brothers of Dijon supported the publication, those of Besançon vehemently rejected it (cf. Durand-Dol, 2014). It should be noted that Gui de Montpellier, although traditionally venerated by Christians, did not enjoy official recognition of his cult. It was not until 2024 that Pope Francis officially confirmed his title of Blessed. Despite the few flaws noted, the copy remains very attractive.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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