Royal Seal – Sigillography – Louis XV – King Of France – Ancien Régime – Royal Wax Seal

Dating: 18th century, reign of Louis XV (1710–1774) Origin: France. Important circular wax seal, a prime example of royal sigillography, depicting the bust of King Louis XV. The sovereign is portrayed in high relief, in a dense, deeply modeled composition, where the volumes of the face, hair, and cloak are rendered by a network of hollows and striations resulting from the direct impression of the matrix. This type of seal was used to seal administrative, legal, or official documents under the Ancien Régime. Applied while hot, the wax received the impression of the seal and then broke upon opening the document, thus guaranteeing the integrity and authority of the written word. The irregular edge of the object testifies to the fact that the document to which it was attached was removed long ago. The surface has a dark, homogeneous patina, slightly satin-like from successive handling. Lighter areas appear where it has been rubbed. A small area of tension visible at the edge corresponds to the force exerted during opening. The reverse retains the raw wax structure, without any metallic support, confirming that this is indeed an authentic detached impression, and not a matrix. At the boundary between archive, object of power, and material fragment of history, this seal constitutes a direct witness to administrative practices and the representation of royal authority in the 18th century. Condition: old wear, losses and irregularities at the edge, homogeneous patina, good overall legibility. Dimensions: Diameter 9 cm. Shipping: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.