Ineffectual king of France from 1715 to 1774 who was dominated by his strong-willed and unscrupulous mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Advised of the growing discontent among his people, Louis prophetically observed “Après moi le déluge”—After me the flood—an apt prediction of the impending French Revolution. Manuscript DS, signed “Louis,” one page on vellum, 23 x 15, March 13, 1752. A secretarially penned document related to a pardon for citizen Antoine de Champs, who had been accused of murder. In very good condition, with usual folds and light wrinkling (one light fold through signature), scattered soiling and staining, and large cut cancellation to lower portion, affecting blank area only. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
