The Book of Wonders of the World

15th century. Cognac, France.

National Library of France. Français 22971.

Secrets of natural history. A delight for amateurs and bibliophiles.

Commissioned by Charles of Angoulême, bibliophile prince of the house of Orléans and father of the future king of France, François I.

56 fantastic miniatures. Illustrated by one of the most original illuminators of the time: Robinet Testard, an artist of extraordinary talent, trained in the stimulating atmosphere that reigned in the West of France in the 1860s. Testard, a great master of medieval miniatures, with very personal features and an elaborate technique, excels like few others in the invention of chromatic harmonies of the utmost delicacy.

200 pages, 208 x 306 mm. 56 miniatures at the beginning of the 56 chapters into which the work is divided, recreating marvellous mythological scenes, exotic landscapes or admirable botanical figures. The text, with geographical pretensions, reviews the different countries of the world in alphabetical order, offering a suggestive set of fabulous descriptions and colourful scenes.

Handmade leather binding and special preservation display case. Accompanied by an important and rigorous volume of studies.

Limited edition of 898 numbered copies with notarial certificate.