From September 16 to December 16, 2023, the Versailles Library is presenting a major exhibition showcasing its collections: “Treasures of the Versailles Libraries”.
This exhibition makes it possible both to present rare and unexpected pieces to the public (books from royal collections, libraries of historical figures, objects, and drawings) and to advance knowledge about these pieces through a number of case studies. From cuneiform tablets to masterpieces of contemporary bookbinding, it will present known or little-known treasures through a series of themes: antiquity, illustrious author, prestigious provenance, rarity of the edition, splendor of the materials, and aesthetic value.
Since some of these books require restoration before being presented to the public, the Fondation Etrillard is funding the restoration of two extremely rare pieces: the Exemplary Novels of Cervantes, an original 1614 edition that belonged to José Maria de Heredia, as well as the notebook of an assistant sculptor to Jean-Antoine Houdon.
These two manuscripts will be featured in the exhibition alongside other treasures, such as the “little secret book” written by Madame de Maintenon, the copy of La Partie de chasse de Henri IV by Charles Collé – probably the first book bound with the coat of arms of Marie-Antoinette – or original drawings by Fragonard for the Tales of La Fontaine.