Mahieu, Thomas ( active 1549-65 )
The 16th century bibliophile, who, along with
Grolier, was the most celebrated collector of his
day. Mahieu's collection, which belongs to the
period 1550 to 1565, included bindings, some of
which were done by Claude de Picques, with punched
and gilded backgrounds for designs, or curved
strapwork and arabesques, with ornaments in
outline or azured. Some bindings are lavishly
ornamented with colored onlays on a gilt
background. Many are inscribed "Tho. Maioli et
Amicorvm," (the Latinized form of his name being
Maiolus). About 90 bindings survive, ranging in
quality from adequate to very superior.
Mahieu, who may have been a native of Italy, was
secretary to Catherine de Medicis from 1549 to
1560 and later a treasurer of France, as was
Grolier, whom Mahieu probably knew. (168 , 347 , 373 )
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