PROFESSIONAL HERALDRY

Genealogy of the De Coustin family. Manuscript. France, c.1782.

This attractive illustrated document is a genealogy and pedigree of François-Louis-Antoine-Marie de Coustin (1753-1829), at the time of his elevation (1782) to the position of canon-count at the cathedral of Saint-Claude in the Jura region in eastern France. It is likely to be the work of a professional heraldry painter. The new job at Saint-Claude cathedral required proof of nobility, which is given here. The pedigree is signed by de Coustin’s mother. During the French Revolution, de Coustin spent time in prison, and in exile in Switzerland. Notes and doodles on the reverse side include a captioned illustration of a man in a hat (dubbed a “wise man”) walking amongst trees (”neighborhood wood”).

Details

Single sheet of vellum. 48.5 cms. x 33.5 cms. To one side, a proof of nobility, illustrated with tree branches and shields. Notes and doodles to the other side, including sums, and a captioned drawing, discussed below. Folded in four, with a further fold line making it foldable into eight. Light soiling, some rubbing and inkstaining to text in cartouche at bottom of pedigree, short tear at bottom margin. soiling and staining to reverse side.

For biography of de Coustin, see blog post, with citations, ‘Le chanoine de Coustin (1753-1829’, 15 April 2020, http://charenteperigord.canalblog.com (last accessed by us 20 April 2023).