Facsimiles of Graphic Documents
As the name suggests, a facsimile imitates the original. While it closely replicates the original’s visual and aesthetic qualities, the facsimiles produced by Atelier du Lys differ in two key aspects: the support used is contemporary, and the technique employed is modern pigment inkjet printing.
To ensure a high-quality visual experience and accurate reading of these reproductions, colorimetric measurements, digital retouching, and multiple test prints are conducted to closely match the originals.
Atelier du Lys prints on various weights and textures of paper, as well as on other materials such as papyrus and parchment. For added realism, the documents are hand-finished and aged.
Facsimile on Papyrus of a Merovingian Royal Charter, 7th century
National Archives, Paris (2022)
This large-format document (34 × 93 cm) is a precept from Clovis II confirming privileges granted to Saint-Denis by the Bishop of Paris in 654.
It is part of the permanent exhibition at the National Archives in Pierrefitte-sur-Seine.
Facsimile on Parchment of the Charte de la Décapole, 14th century
Municipal Archives, Colmar (2023)
This charter officially created the Decapolis, a political alliance of ten Alsatian cities. Written on parchment, it is authenticated by ten hanging seals, eight of which are still attached.
To preserve the fragile original, the Colmar Municipal Archives commissioned an identical reproduction.
Facsimiles on Parchment of the Charte de commune of Compiègne, 1153
Municipal Archives, Compiègne (2024)
Granted by King Louis VII in 1153, this charter was an oath of alliance allowing residents to form a self-governing community with mutual rules and protections.
Two parchment facsimiles were produced: one for the Archives of Compiègne and its metropolitan area, and one for the Compiègne Library.
Facsimile on Laid Paper of Victor Hugo’s Testament B, August 31, 1881
National Archives, Paris (2022)
“I give fifty thousand francs to the poor of Paris.”
This document is part of the permanent exhibition at the National Archives in Pierrefitte-sur-Seine.
Facsimile on Paper of David’s Coat of Arms, with Gold Highlights, 1808
Musée de la Légion d’honneur, Paris (2025)
David, Napoleon I’s official painter, created The Coronation of Napoleon, exhibited to great acclaim at the 1808 Salon.
Pleased with the result, Napoleon promoted the artist to Officer of the Legion of Honour.
Facsimile on Paper of an Anatomical Broadside with Volvelles, 1572
Library of the National Academy of Medicine, Paris (2024)
Held in the Academy’s Library, this anatomical board was published in 1572 in Nuremberg by Hanns Weigel Formschneider—formcutter, engraver, printer, calligrapher, and publisher.
Using rotating paper disks (volvelles), the piece illustrates the relative positions of human organs. Aimed at medical students, it includes detailed explanations of each organ’s function.
Facsimile on Paper of Simone Veil’s Speech, November 16, 1974
National Archives, “Les Remarquables” cycle, Paris (2024)
A few pages from the typewritten and annotated version of Simone Veil’s historic speech defending the law on voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) before the National Assembly.
Facsimile on Paper of a Portrait of Jacques Doucet
Jacques Doucet Literary Library, Paris (2025)
Contact print portrait by Man Ray of famed couturier and collector Jacques Doucet, pictured with his dog.
Introduced by André Breton in 1922, Doucet became one of the key patrons of the Surrealist movement and commissioned Man Ray to take this portrait in 1925.