Foreign Orders & Decorations - France : France:... Lot 49

Foreign Orders & Decorations - France : France: Order of the Holy Spirit (Ordre de Saint Esprit). Important cross of the order from the time of its foundation, late 16th century. Gold and enamel. without ribbon. The dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, applied on both sides, in a particularly domed design. Eyes, beak and feathers with enamel painting. The arms of the cross with enameled floral border. The fleur de lys between the arms of the cross in plastic enamel work and naturalistic design according to the taste of the time. As documented in some contemporary portraits from the time after the foundation of the Order by King Henry III on December 31, 1578, and especially in Guillaume Richardière's depiction of the first award ceremony in 1586 (Chantilly, Musée Condè), the first Order crosses did not correspond to the well-known later, regimented model. Rather, they were simple gold medal chaplets corresponding to the specimen we offer here. Illustration of the illustration: "Le roi Henri III préside la première cérémonie de l'ordre du Saint-Esprit. Enluminure de Guillaume Richardière, Chantilly, musée Condé, 1586." Exceptionally important order insignia of this highest order of the French monarchy of the Ancien Régime of greatest rarity and high order interest. 47 x 41 mm. Condition: 1-2