Important Fireback With The Arms Of David-nicolas De Berthier (120x95 Cm)

Important fireback cast in the 19th century, with the arms of David-Nicolas de Berthier (1652-1719) son of François de Berthier, Baron de Montrabé and Antoinette Fleury, consecrated first bishop of Blois in 1697 by decision of Louis XIV of create a bishopric in the city. Throughout his episcopate he continued the work which had so absorbed him until his coronation: the conversion of Protestants. He inherited from his brother the land and barony of Montrabé, which he left by will on his death to François de Bertier, Marquis de Pinsaguel of the eldest branch. The old church of Saint-Solenne was chosen as a cathedral and David Nicolas de Berthier had a bishopric built there, between 1700 and 1703, including the creation of secondary buildings, administrative services, housing for the canons, stables and sumptuous gardens, today today seat of the town hall of Blois. It was not until March 1704 that he officially took possession of the building whose architecture is attributed to Jacques Gabriel. The Berthier family provided six bishops, two first presidents, a mortar president and many advisers to the parliament of Toulouse, capitouls, king's secretaries, a knight of Malta, etc... His weight is 247 kg. Blazon: Or a furious bull Gules, unguled and accorned Azure charged with five stars Argent in bend. The coat of arms is surmounted by a crown of a count wearing a hat, a miter and a crozier as the cords with six tassels on either side are the signs of his ecclesiastical rank. In support two griffins. Bibliography: PALASI P., heraldic firebacks, Gourcuff Gradenigo, Paris, page 167 N° 288. You can visit our site: www.claudeaugustin.com