Beschreibung:

NICHOLAS I -- ADAM, Victor (1801-1866, illustrator) [and Henry GRAF]. Vues des cérémonies les plus intéressantes du Couronnement de Leurs Majestés Impériales L'Empereur Nicolas I et L'Impératrice Alexandra, a Moscou . Paris: Firmin Didot 1828. 2° (690 x 510mm). With the list of subscribers. 14 full-page lithographs by L. Courtin after V. Adam. (Scattered spotting, dampstain in margins.) Contemporary dark green morocco, covers gilt with a wide border of alternating urns and palms, and gilt fillet and blind roll-tolled frames with gilt corner tools, front cover titled in gilt, spine gilt in compartments, edges gilt, gilt turn-ins (spine head chipped, corners rubbed, front hinge starting, back joint starting and rubbed at spine ends, front blank soiled). THE CORONATION OF TSAR NICHOLAS I and Empress Alexandra, which took place on 3 September 1826. The fine series of lithographed scenes after drawings by Victor Adam include the Public Proclamation, the celebrations and the public feast. 'Adam's pencil, always alert and well sharpened is shown here to full advantage' (Vinet). For the coronation scene itself, set in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Adam chose the moment when the new Emperor embraces Grand Duke Constantine, whose abdication placed Nicholas on the throne. One of the plates shows the throne of Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich, elaborately decorated with 1,500 rubies and other precious stones. RARE: ABPC records no copy selling at auction for over 30 years. Lipperheide II, p.698; Vinet 778.