Dinamarca

1709 · ref. D18683 — Copenhagen: F. Rostgaard 1709. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Folio 19½ x 13 in.: 495 x 340 mm. Engraved frontispiece and eighteen engraved leaves nineteen leaves in all. Allegorical border on title-page signed by Andreas Reinhard after Claus von Moinichen and Michael August Rog fine equestrian portrait in a command-of-hand calligraphic style each page within an elaborate border consisting of floral sprays flowers peacocks parrots elephants and other animals or of Renaissance ornament incorporating fish seals narwhals bears stags horses and other Danish motifs. Contemporary Danish calf two gilt floral borders; slightly rubbed top and bottom of spine worn but an excellent copy. FIRST EDITION of the "King's Law" establishing absolute monarchy in Denmark. Edited by F. Rostgaard. Also included here is the proclamation of 4 September 1709 announcing the publication of the law. On 14 November 1665 Frederik III consolidated his power over a weakened Danish nobility by promulgating the Kongelov or "King's Law" which carried absolutism to its extreme. This magnificent edition was published by Frederick Ill more than forty years after the promulgation. The engravings are by Andreas Reinhardt 1676-1742 a German artist who worked in Copenhagen after the designs of the Danish artist Moinchen. The calligraphic text is by M.A. Roeg 1679-1737 a calligrapher of Norwegian origin who later became medal engraver to Louis XV. He is probably the artist responsible for the fine calligraphic portrait of Frederick III. The text of Lex Regia was edited by Schumacher Frederick's private secretary. The Lex Regia was printed in an edition of only five hundred copies. PROVENANCE: Robert S Pirie. F. Rostgaard hardcover books