49 France: Order of the Holy Spirit (Ordre de Saint Esprit).

 Importantearly badge of the order from the period  of its foundation, late 16th century. Gold and enamel. without ribbon.

The dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, applied on both sides, in a particularily fine and bulbous design. Eyes, beak and feathers with enamel painting. The arms of the cross with enameled floral border. The fleur de lys between the arms of the cross in fine enamel work and naturalistic design according to the taste of the late renaissance period.

As documented in some contemporary portraits from the period after the foundation of the Order by King Henry III on December 31, 1578, and especially in Guillaume Richardière's depiction of the first award ceremony in 1586 (Chantilly, Musée Condè), the first badges of the Order did not correspond to the well-known later, regulated model. Rather, they were simple gold badges corresponding to the piece we offer here.

Illustration: "Le roi Henri III préside la première cérémonie de l'ordre du Saint-Esprit. Enluminure de Guillaume Richardière, Chantilly, musée Condé, 1586."

Magnificent and exceptionally important insignia of this highest order of the French monarchy of the Ancien Régime of great rarity and high interest.

47 x 41 mm.

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