FUNERAL SERMON FOR KNUD THOTT - WITH AN INTERESTING PROVENANCE

WORM, CHRISTEN WILLUMSØN.

Den retfærdiges u-overvindelige frimodighed i Guds og sin samvittigheds vidnisbyrd forestillet og sammenskrevet til et vel-fortient ære-minde over den fordum høj-ædle og velbaarne nu hos Gud salige herre herr Knud Tott herre til Knudstrop og Gaunøe.

Copenhagen, (1713).

Folio (348 x 240 mm). In contemporary full black calf with spine relaid and a bit later red title-label with gilt lettering to spine. Light wear to extremities primarily affecting capitals. Previous owner's name to front front free end-paper (Christian Georg von Møsting). Light occassional marginal browning throughout. Printed on good paper. A nice copy. (40), 352, 16 pp. Wanting the frontispiece.


Rare funeral sermon for Danish Knud Thott (1639 - 1702), Danish Geheimrat, son of Otte Thott. Worm here praises Thott for his sense of duty and untiring diligence, as it is repeatedly emphasized how much he, unlike many of his contemporaries, detested anything related to gifts and favors in official positions. As a landowner, he was exceptionally active, and he increased and improved Gavnø in many ways.

Previous owner Christian Georg von Møsting was a Danish-Norwegian Officer who was married to Cathrine Marie Juel, sister to the generals Gregers and Christian Juel, owner of Valdemar's Castle.  

During the 17th century, the aristocracy commissioned publications dedicated to commemorating their departed spouses and celebrating their virtuous lives. These publications likely served both as a means to instill moral conduct in society, conduct profitable transactions and last but not least fuel the circles of gossip.

Funeral sermons emerged as romanticized portrayals of the nobility and the upper classes of society. Between the late 16th century and the mid-18th century, funeral sermons became a sought-after commodity in the Danish book market. Primarily intended for the deceased's family, these sermons allowed them to reflect on their own lineage.

Provenance: Valdemar's Castle. 

Order-nr.: 60719


DKK 5.000,00