king

This is a brilliant example of an early 17th-century Spanish petition relating to nobility, similar in style to examples from Granada. The rank of Baron is signified by the five helmet bars in the crest on the coat of arms full-page miniature. To the left is another full-page miniature, likely of the Coronation of the Virgin with King Philip III in attendance. The use of bright red, blue, green, and gold demonstrates the wealth and power that stood behind the petition.

This is a rare book for children with hand-colored copperplate engravings and a floriated border cover. It features detailed full regalia and a summary text about the British coronation ceremony. The text includes the title and position of each central figure during the coronation with a special emphasis on the (at the time) new Imperial Crown, scepter, and coronation anointing materials. Few pamphlets were produced about British heraldry and fashion; this book’s importance lies in its simplicity and focus meant for children.

Emperor Kangxi and King Louis XIV of France, also known as Louis the Great, were both considered among the greatest rulers of their respective countries. They have been compared politically and militarily, but few comparisons in artistic achievements have been done. Both rulers came to the throne during childhood. They had excellent skills in riding and archery and both were fluent in a number of languages. As a Manchu emperor, Kangxi had a solid command of Mandarin Chinese and Mongolian whereas Louis XIV was versed in French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin.