The Order of Arts and Letters is an order of France established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture. Its supplementary status to the Ordre national du Mérite was confirmed by President Charles de
Insignia of an Officier and a Chevalier
Ray Bradbury wearing the Commander's badge in 2009
Order of Saint Michael
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The Order of Saint Michael is a French dynastic order of chivalry, founded by King Louis XI on 1 August 1469, in response to the Order of the Golden Fleece founded by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy
Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
…purpose is the recognition of significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the propagation of these fields. Its origin is attributed to the Order of Saint Michael (established 1 August 1469), as acknowledged by French government sources. To be considered for the award, French government guidelines stipulate that…
King Louis XI sitting on his throne. In the room, a painting of St. Michael killing a serpent. Title page of the Order's statutes, drawn by Jean Fouquet in the 15th century. Bibliothèque Nationale, fr. 19819
Plaque marking the former site of the Chapel of Saint-Michel du Palais, home of the Order from 1496 to 1555
Charles VIII, son of Louis XI, wearing the collar of the Order of Saint Michael