Claude Mellan (1598-1688) Allegory on the Good Government of France (Mercury and Minerva). 1685. Burin. 360x277. Préaud 252. Very fine proof on strong ivory laid paper (partial watermark: grappe in a double circle with letters), of the 4th state (of 6), before the Gailliard address, slightly oxidized, with some light freckling, the fleur-de-lys scratched and erased on the tree trunk. Perceptible vertical drying fold on verso. Tiny tear in lower left corner. Small thumbtack mark in the center of the foot under the engraved words. A small spot of glue under the right foot of Minerve. Traces of glue at the edges of the verso leaf. Narrow margins.