[VALLADIER, André (1565-1638).] Labyrinthe Royal de l'Hercule Gaulois triumphant sur le suiect des Fortunes, Batailles, Victoires, Trophées, Mariages, & autres faicts heroiques, & memorable de Trea-Auguste & Tres-Chrestien Prince Henry IIII Roy de France, & de Navarre. Representé a l'Entré triomphante de la Royne En la Cité d'Avignon Le 19. Novembre. L'An M.DC. Avignon: Jacques Bramereau, [1601].

Sole edition of a sumptuous illustrated festival book documenting the entry of Marie de Medici into Avignon in 1600. The newly married couple were meant to process through seven triumphal arches designed for the occasion, each representing one of the labors of Hercules, with Henri IV being portrayed at the festivities as the heroic Gallic Hercules. The ephemeral architecture was designed by Pierre Duplan and engraved here by Matthias Greuter. One plate depicts the royal chariot, which was pulled by two large horses in elephant costumes. In 1601, the City Council at Avignon voted 40 scudis to the printer Jacques Bramereau in order to enable him to travel to Paris and present copies of this book to the King, Queen, and Princes of France. There are at least two different settings of the prelims; the present copy differs from those held by Boston College and Princeton. Rare at auction; the only copy recorded sold by RBH is the one from the Gourary sale. Berlin 2988; Ruggieri 99; Vinet 480; Watanabe 1686.

Quarto (270 x 191mm). Engraved title page, 2 engraved portraits of Marie and Henri, and 12 plates by Matthias Greuter (title restored around edges, even toning throughout). Late 19th-century claret morocco by Allo, marbled doublures, all edges gilt (a little sunning to spine). Provenance: erased inscription on top margin of title – Rochemoyre family (bookplate).