DE PLUVINEL, ANTOINE.

Impressive, well-margined copy of this important and influential guide to dressage by the French riding master Antoine de Pluvinel (1552-1620), one of the greatest classics of the genre. This is the third edition with French and German text in double columns, in accordance with Pluvinel s original manuscript. A magnificent full page engraved portrait of Pluvinel s student, Louis XIII, follows the double page frontispiece, showing the king surrounded by a dynamic scene of allegorical figures and medallion portraits. Following this are three portraits and 58 exquisite plates demonstrating various equine training methods and accomplishments signed by the famed Dutch engraver Crispijn de Passe the Elder (1564-1637). An excellent copy of this important influence on modern dressage... .

Antoine de Pluvinel worked as premier ecuyer to the Duc d Anjou, later Henri III, and was later appointed as tutor to the young Louis XIII, forming a close relationship with the future King. In 1594 Pluvinel founded the Academie d Equitation, where generations of French nobility were trained in horsemanship, as well as dancing, etiquette, and fashionable dress. The work was published posthumously by Crispijn de Passe and was edited by Menou de Charnizay. It was an instant success and was reprinted several times and translated into a number of languages. .

The contents combine extensive textual description with richly illustrative engravings. It is written in the form of a dialogue between the king and the author. Pluvinel was known for his humane training methods, using positive reinforcement rather than punishment to make horses obedient and to encourage mutual trust, predicating modern training practices. He popularised the rise of single and double pillars in training of collection and levade, always insisting that the horse should be taking pleasure in the work; the secret is in making the horse enjoy whatever it is doing till it does it of its own free will. Thanks to Pluvinel s work, the harsh Italian training methods of Giovanni Pignatelli became obsolete, and the life span and well-being of his horses increased dramatically. .

Sauf ces l ég√®res differences, c'est la meme édon. Dans certains exemplaires, le titre grav é porte 1629 (Mennessier de la Lance).