L'Art de connoistre les hommes
First edition of this rare work by La Chambre dedicated to Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances.
In-4 of (8) ff., 471 pp., (1) p. Red morocco, on each cover several gilt lacework borders surround, in the central part, a frame made of straight and curved gilt fillets with fleur-de-lis spandrels, dotted gilt fleurons, gilt tools, fleur-de-lis motifs, in the center arms of gilt-stamped coat of arms, raised bands on spine decorated with gilt tools, edges decorated, gilt roll inside, gilt edges over marbling. Binding contemporary to the period by the Pierre Rocolet-Antoine Padeloup workshop.
245 x 180 mm.
La Chambre, Marin Cureau de. The Art of Knowing Men. First Part. Wherein are contained the Preliminary Discourses that serve as an Introduction to this Science.Paris, P. Rocolet, Printer & Ordinary Bookseller to the King, 1659.
First edition dedicated to "Monseigneur Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances".
Martin Cureau de la Chambre (1594-1675) was supported by Chancellor Seguier.
He became physician to Louis XIII and was highly favored by Mazarin.
He was the first, before Descartes, to publish scientific works in French.
His most important work, The Art of Knowing Men, develops a theory of temperaments that achieved great success. It notably influenced La Bruyère for his Characters.
His great merit is "having spoken clearly the scientific language and making topics accessible to worldly people that might interest them".
Copy with large margins, adorned with headpieces and decorated initials, bound with the arms of Barthélemy Hervart, Lord of Landzert, Controller General of Finances.
"Rocolet's clientele, that of luxury bindings, was the top elite of the time: the Queen, the Cardinal, the Chancellor, and also Dr. Martin Cureau de La Chambre, capable physician, ingenious philosopher, and prolific writer, strongly protected by the all-powerful Chancellor Séguier. His books were the most richly attired from the workshop" (Raphael Esmerian).
Provenance: Barthélemy Hervart, Lord of Landzert (1607-1676) and Henri Bonnasse, with ex-libris.
Banker in Paris, Barthélemy Hervart became State Councillor in 1649. His financial support to Mazarin enabled the latter to overcome his opponents. Barthélemy Hervart obtained the position of Intendant of Finances in 1650 and, although Protestant, that of Controller General of Finances in 1657. He held this office until December 12, 1665. After the arrest of Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV entrusted exclusive authority over his finances to Colbert. After Fouquet’s fall, Barthélemy Hervart, like many financiers, was prosecuted.
