Louis XV.

c. 360 pages, 4to (240 x 185mm.), in a neat scribal hand throughout, an official copy, contemporary sprinkled calf gilt with the arms of Louis XV in centre of sides, spine gilt in compartments, 1758; together with a document of 1785 signed on behalf of Marie Antoinette, appointing a spit-turner for her kitchen, an eighteenth-century English recipe book, an 8-page manuscript apparently by Grimod de la Reynière, 4 items, together with coupons for meat issued during the Siege of Paris and related engravings

Hroar Dege (lot 364)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A fascinating and detailed picture of the royal household in the reign of Louis XV. The present manuscript begins with lists of persons entitled to eat at the "Tables du Roy" during the year (22 names), the "Table des Maitres d'Hotel" (22 names), the "Table des valets de chambre" (26) and other officials. It continues with details of the food and wine to be served on days when the king is dining, when he is hunting or not hunting, when he is dining with the Queen and so on ("menu de table du Roy de deux grands plats, 2 assiettes et 5 services et les hors d'oeuvre quand Sa Majesté mangera à sa Grande Table"; "Menu pour le diner ou le souper du Roy lorsque Sa Majesté ordonnera de la servir chez la Reine", "Menu pour le diner ou le souper du Roy de 9 couverts chez la Reine avec toute la famille royalle en gras", etc.) Other entries list expenditure on bread, wine, candles, "cire blanche" and "cire jaune", coal and logs, pensions and alms, New Year gifts, Epiphany cakes, livery for the household, and payments to the musicians and singers of the Chapel Royal on the great festivals of the church. One page lists the "Menu de ce que l'on donne aux comediens a chaque representation qu'ils font a la cour" (eight loaves, and 9 livres worth of table wine). Others give details of the different fare to be offered depending on whether it is a "jour gras", "maigre" or a fast.