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    Fête Book Auction at Christie’s

    An auction of 472 lots, "Splendid Ceremonies: The Paul and Marianne Gourary Collection of Illustrated Fête Books," at Christie's.

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    OBJECT In the summer of 1738, the city of Bologna pulled out all the stops to celebrate the wedding of Charles VII, King of Naples and Sicily, to Maria Amalia of Saxony. A commemorative volume—one of 472 lots belonging to "Splendid Ceremonies: the Paul and Marianne Gourary Collection of Illustrated Fête Books," auctioned by Christie's in June—has text of the musical serenade performed in the couple's honor, as well as sonnets dedicated to them. The plate shown here offers a panoramic view of the stage built for the wedding, with a spectacular faux Mount Vesuvius shooting fireworks in the background. Sold for $7,500; christies.com

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