153 résultats
ST17245-04France possibly Rouen mid-15th century. 173 x 130 mm. 6 3/4 x 5 1/8". Single column 16 ruled lines text in a gothic book hand. <br/> Text in gold blue and dark pink "KL" in blue with white tracery on a gold ground decorated with dark pink baubles and leaves and with a floral spray extension both sides with panel border composed of densely packed acanthus flowers and hairline vines with gold bezants WITH A SMALL ROUNDEL MINIATURE at the bottom depicting the labor of the month Pruning set on a panel of flowers hairline vines and gold bezants. With numbering to the left of the golden numbers and a few calendar entries in a later hand. ◆Light soiling to vellum a few small smudges in the borders a little paint transfer affecting a couple lines of text and margins of the verso but these issues all very minor and on the whole in fine condition with a particularly well-preserved miniature with rich uneroded paint.<br/> <br/> With lovely panel borders and a particularly charming roundel miniature showing the labor of the month this leaf likely comes from a high-quality manuscript made for a person of means. Though miniatures depicting the labors of the month are often illustrated with just a single person performing the task here we are treated to two laypeople--a man and a woman--working together to prune and break ground in their field. The man appears to be carrying an axe for trimming branches while the woman carries a long stick to loosen dirt for spring plantings. The names of several saints have been added to the calendar by a later hand though it would appear that they were erroneously placed in March: St. Hugh belongs on 9 April Pope Leo on 11 April and St. Tiburtius on 14 April. While almost all of these feast days are commonly found in Books of Hours of this period Hugh Bishop of Rouen is slightly unusual suggesting that the manuscript may have been made in or at least ended up in Rouen. unknown
1460ST12839Paris ca. 1460. 153 x 110 mm. 6 x 4 3/8". Single column 14 lines of text in a fine gothic book hand. <br/> One-line initial in burnished gold on a pink and blue ground with white tracery a two-line initial and a three-line initial in pink with white tracery on a ground of burnished gold the center filled with twining blue vines bearing pink and scarlet flowers verso with a rinceau panel border featuring twining hairline stems bearing burnished gold ivy leaves and fruit blue and gold acanthus leaves and flowers recto WITH AN ARCH-TOPPED MINIATURE OF THE HOLY TRINITY SURROUNDED BY THE HEAVENLY HOST this and the accompanying text enclosed by a pink blue and burnished gold bar border on one side and a brushed gold bar border with pink lotus flowers on two sides the whole surrounded by A FULL RINCEAU BORDER DENSE WITH ACANTHUS LEAVES FOLIAGE FRUIT FLOWERS AND TINY GOLD BERRIES on hairline stems. ◆A little paint flaked from the book held by the Trinity a couple of small spots in the margin otherwise in fine condition--clean and smooth with comfortable margins and bright gold.<br/> <br/> The Trinity is shown here seated on a canopied throne with God the Son his hand raised in blessing to the left of the Father. The latter in a towering crown holds a gold orb and the Father and Son together support a large book opened between them. The dove of the Holy Spirit hovers above the book radiating golden beams. The Trinity is flanked on both sides by cherubim and seraphim in rich red and soft yellow. It is the rendering of this angelic ambiance that elevates the level of aesthetic achievement here: both red and yellow celestial beings are given a ghostly appearance as if appearing out of a filmy yellow or a densely red fog. The artistic qualities as a whole suggest that this leaf comes from a manuscript commissioned by a person of significant means. unknown
1450ST11774-85Paris ca. 1450. 159 x 108 mm. 6 1/4 x 4 1/4". Single column four lines of text on the verso 15 on the recto in a very pleasing gothic book hand. <br/> Attractively matted. Recto with a line filler in colors and gold verso with a one-line initial in burnished gold on a maroon and blue background with white tracery and a three-line "D" in blue and white enclosing a spray of violets in the same colors the capital on a burnished gold ground the same side WITH A FULL SWIRLING BORDER of acanthus leaves flowers and berries and many burnished gold ivy leaves ENCLOSING A BLOODY ILLUMINATED MINIATURE OF THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS measuring approximately 78 x 54 mm. Fore and lower margins on the side with the miniature a bit rubbed and with a faint patina reflecting frequent use also minor fading and loss of paint and gold in the same place otherwise in fine condition THE MINIATURE itself REMARKABLY WELL PRESERVED WITHOUT ANY EROSION OF PIGMENT.<br/> <br/> This leaf comes from a Book of Hours decorated by extremely skilled members of what must have been a first-class workshop. The Massacre of the Innocents cannot help but be a moving subject and the composition here as well as the painter's considerable ability add to the emotional impact in the present miniature. The center of the scene is dominated by the gold-armored gray-bearded soldier whose sword is raised over the head of a woman clinging to her son. The blood-spattered foreground is littered with the dismembered bodies of infants looking like so many broken dolls. On the left we see a row of modest cottages providing considerable depth as they recede toward distant hills. On the right stands a crowd of grim-faced soldiers all as elderly as their commander and seemingly following orders that are unwelcomed; it is perhaps the acute sadness in their faces that makes this scene especially memorable. The clear sky green fields and serene blue mountains in the distance contrast markedly with the horrific events unfolding. unknown
1465ST11151bBruges ca. 1465. 181 x 127 mm. 7 1/8 x 5". Single column 19 lines in a careful pleasing gothic book hand. <br/> In a very attractive new gilt wooden frame. Rubrics in pink or faded red one two-line initial in blue magenta and burnished gold two lines with undulating line fillers in blue and gold both sides of the leaf with a three-quarter panel border incorporating foliage blossoms and ivy leaves on hairline stems the vertical part of this frame with a bar border composed of colors and burnished gold terminating at top and bottom in colorful acanthus leaves and WITH TWO SMALL BUT VERY PLEASING MINIATURE PAINTINGS SAINT ELIZABETH ON THE RECTO AND SAINT GERTRUDE ON THE VERSO. ◆Tiny wormhole in fore edge where it has done negligible damage small portions of the blue paint in the Elizabeth miniature eroded gray paint slightly smeared as well but apparently at the time of painting otherwise in fine clean fresh condition.<br/> <br/> This leaf is characteristic work from the circle of Willem Vrelant the leading purveyor of books of private devotion in Bruges during the third quarter of the 15th century. His leading position among Flemish illuminators of the time is indicated by the considerable number of manuscripts illustrated in his manner by other miniaturists both in Bruges and in nearby cities in Flanders. The illuminator of our Book of Hours shows a number of distinctive stylistic traits. Among these are a preference for boldly patterned cloth backdrops tessellated flooring landscapes filled with stylized bushes and trees and persisting prominent architectural constructions that frame the subject frequently in a corner in these leaves it is a waist-high outdoor wall or an indoor feature resembling wainscoting. The inclination for strong geometrical patterning is manifested in the artist's angular treatment of human figures and their garments. Dressed in pink and blue Elizabeth is depicted with a sweet round face. She is saluted here as the woman worthy to be the mother of John the Baptist the forerunner of the Redeemer. Gertrude is dressed in monastic black although a pink undergarment is visible and her inky habit is trimmed in gold. This shimmering feature is a reminder that Gertrude 626-59 was the daughter of Pepin I of Landen Mayor of the Palace for the Frankish realm of Austrasia and the forebear of Charlemagne. Gertrude is a natural choice for illustration by an artist of Bruges since she was the patron of nearby Nivelles. The saint was routinely invoked for aid in coping with mice and is here shown surrounded by four animated rodents as black as her habit. No legend survives to explain why she had such power over the creatures who seem here to be more her pets one climbs her staff of office than her victims. unknown
ST18310cGermany ca. 1100. 130 x 204 mm. 5 1/8 x 8". Single column 13 extant lines in a late Caroline hand. <br/> Rubrics in red. ◆Recovered from a binding and thus noticeably browned stained and vaguely wavy one side somewhat faded several small holes just two touching any letters other imperfections but still a very presentable specimen the ink especially dark on one side and legible on both.<br/> <br/> This is an early fragment in a distinctive hand lacking the heaviness of other scripts of the period and with a feeling of the elongated grace of the humanistic. Despite having previously been used as a binding scrap the fragment remains definitely readable partly because of the clarity of the scribal hand. Elected pope in 590 Gregory I ca. 540-604 also known as Gregory the Great was one of the most influential pontiffs in the history of the Church. In addition to revising liturgical worship he wrote extensively on theology offering homespun wisdom rather than esoteric debates. His "Homilies on the Gospels" were intended to be preached to common people rather than a monastic audience and as a consequence were greatly admired for their straightforward language and pastoral relevance. unknown
ST18310bGermany ca. 1100. 120 x 200 mm. 4 3/4 x 8". Single column 21 extant lines in a late Caroline hand. <br/> ◆Recovered from a binding and thus noticeably browned and stained several small holes costing perhaps 30 letters other imperfections but still a very presentable specimen the ink dark and with loss of legibility in only one small place.<br/> <br/> This is an early fragment in a distinctive hand lacking the heaviness of other scripts of the period and with a feeling of the elongated grace of the humanistic. Despite having previously been used as a binding scrap the fragment remains extremely legible partly because of the clarity of the scribal hand. Elected pope in 590 Gregory I ca. 540-604 also known as Gregory the Great was one of the most influential pontiffs in the history of the Church. In addition to revising liturgical worship he wrote extensively on theology offering homespun wisdom rather than esoteric debates. His "Homilies on the Gospels" were intended to be preached to common people rather than a monastic audience and as a consequence were greatly admired for their straightforward language and pastoral relevance. unknown
ST12668bKNortheastern France probably Arras late 15th century. 146 x 95 mm. 5 3/4 x 3 3/4". Single column 15 lines in a pleasing bâtarde hand. <br/> Rubrics in red one- and two-line initials in brushed gold on a red or blue ground EACH SIDE OF EACH LEAF WITH A BRUSHED GOLD PANEL BORDER WITH VERY PRETTY ILLUSIONISTIC FLOWERS and one panel with acanthus apparently unfinished; EACH LEAF WITH ONE SMALL MINIATURE measuring approximately 40 x 25 mm. DEPICTING SAINTS. Headlines written in French in a later 18th century calligraphic hand. ◆Light soiling otherwise excellent specimens generally clean and smooth with ample margins and attractive decoration.<br/> <br/> From a charmingly decorated 15th century prayer book these lovely leaves offer the opportunity to acquire a miniature andconsiderable gold ornamentation at an attainable price. One leaf depicts Sts. Peter and Paul in a single frame and the other shows St. Vedast or Waast--a saint that was particularly venerated in France especially in the Arras region whence we be believe these leaves originated. For other leaves from this same manuscript please check our website. unknown
ST12668bJNortheastern France probably Arras late 15th century. 146 x 95 mm. 5 3/4 x 3 3/4". Single column 15 lines in a pleasing bâtarde hand. <br/> Rubrics in red one- and two-line initials in brushed gold on a red or blue ground EACH SIDE OF EACH LEAF WITH A BRUSHED GOLD PANEL BORDER WITH VERY PRETTY ILLUSIONISTIC FLOWERS; EACH LEAF WITH TWO SMALL MINIATURES measuring approximately 40 x 25 mm. depicting saints shown with their attributes. Headlines written in French in a later 18th century calligraphic hand. ◆Light soiling rubrics faded otherwise excellent specimens generally clean and smooth with ample margins attractive decoration and shining gold.<br/> <br/> From a charmingly decorated 15th century prayer book these lovely leaves offer the opportunity to acquire a miniature and considerable gold ornamentation at an attainable price. One leaf depicts St. Andrew holding an "X" shaped cross and St. Etienne i.e. St. Stephen here shown with three stones on his body and the other shows St. Remigius the so-called "Apostle of the Franks" and St. Quentin--a saint that was particularly venerated in France especially in the north whence we be believe these leaves originated. For other leaves from this same manuscript please check our website. unknown
ST12668bDNortheastern France probably Arras late 15th century. 146 x 95 mm. 5 3/4 x 3 3/4". Single column 15 lines in a pleasing bâtarde hand. <br/> Rubrics in red one- and two-line initials in brushed gold on a red or blue ground EACH SIDE OF EACH LEAF WITH A BRUSHED GOLD PANEL BORDER WITH VERY PRETTY ILLUSIONISTIC FLOWERS; EACH LEAF WITH ONE SMALL MINIATURE measuring approximately 40 x 25 mm. Headlines written in French in a later 18th century calligraphic hand. ◆Light soiling a couple small stains in margins Trinity leaf with one initial a bit rubbed and a few very tiny chips of paint to miniature otherwise excellent specimens generally clean and smooth with ample margins and attractive decoration.<br/> <br/> From a charmingly decorated 15th century prayer book these lovely leaves offer the opportunity to acquire a miniature with considerable gold ornamentation at an attainable price. One leaf depicts an image of the Trinity in which God the Father holds the body of a crucified Christ in his arms; the other leaf depicts St. James patron saint of Spain shown in bright green and red robes and holding a long staff. For other leaves from this same manuscript please check our website. unknown
ST19350-006Germany 12th century. 272 x 185 mm. 10 3/4 x 7 1/4". Single column 28 lines in a late Caroline hand. <br/> ◆Leaf trimmed irregularly along one side about 18 lines lacking a letter or two vellum a bit wrinkled and worn text a little faded in places but still very presentable and the text almost entirely legible.<br/> <br/> Penned in a pleasing and very legible late Caroline hand this leaf has sustained very little loss and is remarkably well preserved for having been previously reused as binding scrap. Although the text includes several abbreviations that are commonly found in proto-gothic scripts the hand also shares a number of similarities with the Caroline minuscule that dominated Western Europe scribal hands in earlier periods including a long "s" with the shaft on the line and the use of the ampersand as a general abbreviation for the letters "et" occurring anywhere in a word. The text here comes from Pope Gregory the Great's "Moralia" conceived as a commentary on the book of Job and begun when Gregory was just a young papal envoy to Constantinople. It is a guide to the Christian life written in simple direct language which transforms the thought of Augustine into a practical manual of behavior. unknown
ST13657aFrance second half of the 13th century. Each leaf measures 330 x 240 mm. 13 x 9 3/8". Double column 38 lines of text in a proto-gothic hand. <br/> Rubrics in red running title and numerous paragraph marks in red and blue one leaf with one two-line initial in blue with red pen flourishes. Margins with several text corrections one leaf with a catch-word. Faint soiling and a few negligible stains touching text not affecting legibility but overall FINE SPECIMENS with very few flaws.<br/> <br/> Containing part of a popular treatise on the Vices these well-preserved and attractive large format leaves come from a manuscript that may have been contemporary to the life of the author William Perault ca. 1190-1270. Although the so-called "Seven Deadly Sins" that we still recognize today remained a popular moral paradigm throughout the Middle Ages it was by no means canonical. Authors were free to borrow manipulate and elaborate on the topic at will resulting in a profusion of treatises and competing systems of morality. This work by Perault Latin: Peraldus was a particularly prominent treatise that not only survived the Middle Ages but later went into print in several editions. The "Summa of Vice" expounds upon the Seven with which most of us are familiar--Pride Envy Anger Sloth Greed Gluttony and Lust--but it also includes an eighth sin which Perault called "peccatum linguae" or "the sin of the tongue." The present leaves consider the sin of Pride Superbia the most severe and dangerous of all the vices in Medieval imagery it is often depicted as the root of all other sins with some interesting discussion of garish dress make-up hair coloring and wigs. unknown
ST19350-050Germany 14th century. 250 x 175 mm. 9 7/8 x 6 7/8". Six extant lines of text and music in a gothic hand. <br/> Rubrics and staves in red one large initial in red and two large decorative initials in black and red. With the binding's original paper labels on spine remnants of old paper lining on verso. Somewhat soiled and stained but a good specimen overall.<br/> <br/> Recovered from a 17th century binding this specimen presents an excellent opportunity to examine how Medieval manuscripts were used in the construction of later bindings. The two preserved spine labels tell us that the leaf previously covered a copy of Alphonso Stadlmayer's "Philosophia Tripartita" first published in 1650. unknown
1536ST20557Italy Florence completed in 1536. 155 x 96 mm. 6 1/8 x 3 3/4". Single column 17 lines in a rounded gothic hand. 225 leaves first leaf and last three leaves blank. One signature bound upside-down the calendar bound at end but COMPLETE. With modern foliation in pencil i 225 leaves f. 222 omitted in numbering. <br/> Attractive 19th century red straight-grain morocco covers with lacy gilt border raised bands compartments with floral a scrolling tools with small stars and bezants green morocco label with gilt lettering gilt floral turn-ins all edges gilt and gauffered. In a fine modern pebble-grained red morocco folding box by A. Lobstein gilt lettering on spine lined with velvet. Rubrics in red numerous one-line initials and paragraph marks in red or blue many two-line gilt initials on ground of two colors red blue green or purple with small gold embellishments three-line "KL" initials for each calendar month in gilt TWO LARGE HISTORIATED INITIALS the first measuring approximately 11 lines 65 mm. and featuring King David in prayer the initial painted blue and embellished with green and pink acanthus on gold ground surrounded on two sides by bars of gilt lettering on blue and pink ground inner margin decorated with colorful floral motifs decorated with gilt bezants the second initial measuring six lines 35 mm. and featuring the Holy Trinity the initial painted pink with colorful acanthus on gilt ground and with a similar floral border in the outer margin and extending over the initial along the top. See: Alexander "The Painted Page" nos. 1 3 & 4; and Salmi "Italian Miniatures" frontispiece and pp. 52-53. Text rather faded in places though sense always recoverable isolated insignificant rubbing or chipping to the gilt a handful of trivial stains and instances of soiling or foxing but a nevertheless lovely manuscript--very clean and fresh with wide margins and the historiated initials especially well preserved. Just the slightest signs of use to the lustrous binding.<br/> <br/> This is a fine example of Florentine manuscript production from the early 16th century with a beautiful rounded gothic script sparkling initials and historiation that suggests a link to some of the most important miniaturists of the period. The decoration is composed of rich jewel tones and includes a half-page initial opening "Beatus vir" depicting King David in prayer and a smaller "D" opening Psalm 109 "Dixit Dominus Domino meo: a sede adextris meis" depicting the Holy Trinity. Each initial is embellished by a lovely partial border of floral motifs and many gilt bezants in a typical Florentine style. The large "Beatus vir" initial is particularly well done with excellent molding and shading and careful attention to even the smallest hair on David's beard. Into a relatively small space the artist manages to fit an entire outdoor scene complete with foreground middle ground and background including rolling hills a river and a distinctive rock formation that adds dimension scale and a sense of realism to the painting. Although whoever had the box made for this work attributed the manuscript to Giovanni Boccardi known as Boccardino il Vecchio 1460-1529 the figures and border decoration are stylistically closer to the work of two other contemporary workshops: that of Attavante degli Attavanti 1452-1525 and brothers Gherardo 1445-97 and Monte 1448-1532 di Giovanni del Fora. Of Attavante Salmi notes that he was "At one time the most celebrated miniaturist of the Renaissance" and Alexander says that he "was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Florentine book trade in obtaining commissions from patrons outside Florence." He counted European royalty among his patrons and executed celebrated manuscripts for Mattias Corvinus King of Hungary and Manuel I King of Portugal as well as high ranking members of the church including Pope Leo X. Among the many hands employed by Attavante were those of Gherardo and Monte di Giovanni del Fora which explains the closely related styles of the two workshops. Salmi notes that "As expert miniaturists Gherardo and Monte composed magnificent interiors evoking historical events and landscapes of great depth and drama abounding in descriptive details and precious minutiae worthy of the Books of Hours of Flemish and French Masters." In addition to stylistic similarities we have been able to find two other examples of miniatures with compositions that are very close to the "Beatus vir" initial in the present work both of which are attributed to Gherardo and Monte Giovanni del Fora or their workshop. These are: an "S" initial in a Choirbook at the Museo dell'Opera di S. Maria del Fiore we found a black & white reproduction only; and a full-page miniature in the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana MS Plut. 15.17. Like our opening initial these miniatures both depict King David kneeling in prayer dressed in similarly draped and shaped garments in the miniature with color reproductions available the garments are identically colored red and blue with an unusual lobed harp on the ground and a rocky outcropping in the background. Most notably in the latter miniature as well as our initial this rock formation includes a natural archway that has formed over a river. If we are to believe the final rubricated lines indicating that the manuscript was completed on 25 October 1536 then the historiated initials were probably painted by an artist who was at the very least quite familiar with the work of the aforementioned miniaturists if not directly employed by one of their workshops. The most likely workshop would be that of Monte Giovanni del Fora who died in 1532--four years before this work was supposedly completed. It is perhaps even conceivable that the production of the Psalter took long enough that the initials might have been executed during Monte's lifetime. It is unfortunate that three lines in the colophon have been erased as they may have provided additional information about the making of this manuscript. Whatever the case may be this is a lovely object with tasteful decoration that clearly echoes the work of some of Florence's finest workshops. Italian prayer books such as this are increasingly difficult to come by and the present item being complete and in excellent condition would be a fine addition to any private or institutional collection. unknown
1475ST19653GNorthern France ca. 1475. 155 x 110 mm. 6 x 4 1/4". Single column 16 lines in a gothic book hand. <br/> Rubrics in dark pink some leaves with line fillers in pink and blue with white embellishment and gilt bezants each leaf with at least one and some with many one- to three-line initial either in gilt on a pink and blue ground with white embellishment or painted blue with white embellishment filled with flowers or ivy on a gilt ground most leaves with one panel border of hairline vines gilt ivy and bezants and painted flowers. Occasional light soiling wrinkling and other very minor imperfections but in fine fresh condition overall very clean and with wide margins.<br/> <br/> Undoubtedly the work of a top atelier these lovely manuscript leaves have been written and decorated with a high degree of skill. Many of the leaves feature numerous glittering initials and the delicate panel borders add a bit of extra sparkle to the page. unknown
ST19350-049Germany 14th century. 132 x 164 mm. 5 1/4 x 6 3/8". Double column 12 extant lines in a gothic book hand. <br/> Rubrics and four-line staves in red capitals touched in red four large initials in red or blue. Spine with two old paper labels one with ink titling. Vellum a bit soiled a couple small holes ink a little faded on verso paper remnants on verso obscuring a few lines but still a good specimen demonstrating use and reuse of Medieval manuscripts.<br/> <br/> From a noted Missal that had outlived its use this manuscript leaf was later repurposed as a cover for a 17th century printed book. The spine label indicates it was a copy of Jacob Bidermann's "Herodiados libri tres" a lengthy Latin poem relating the story of John the Baptist and Herod first published in 1622. unknown
ST19578Northern Italy last quarter of 15th century. Each leaf measuring 250 x 164 mm. 9 7/8 x 6 3/8". Single column 24 lines in a handsome humanist hand. <br/> Each leaf with three to four large initials one measuring two lines all others three lines in burnished gold in-filled with pink and green paint with white embellishment on blue ground with white embellishments. See: Baldwin "Medieval Rhetoric and Poetic" pp. 216-23. ◆Insignificant wrinkling and a couple faint creases to vellum tiny snag along top edge of each leaf but IN VERY FINE CONDITION the vellum especially clean and bright the paint and ink fresh and the margins generous.<br/> <br/> Written in a beautiful humanistic script enclosed by wide margins and adorned with tasteful gilt initials these leaves come from what must have been a particularly fine manuscript made for a person of means. The text comes from the "Candelabrum" of Bene of Florence an early 13th century treatise on rhetoric and the art of elegant writing. The work consisted of eight parts instructing readers on word choice composition rhythm style and other important considerations in the construction of effective letters and prose. Apart from their enormous aesthetic appeal the present leaves are of great interest because few manuscripts of the text have survived. The style of the initials--elegant burnished gold on a ground of pale pink green and sapphire blue with whisps of white embellishments--suggest that the manuscript was executed in Northern Italy perhaps Milan Bologna or Florence by a craftsman of great technical skill. Fine examples of humanistic script are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the market and the present examples are among the loveliest we have ever acquired. unknown
ST17235Probably France or Rhineland 10th century. Irregularly shaped but approximately 298 x 225 mm. 11 3/4 x 8 7/8". Single column 33 lines on recto and 29 on verso in a neat Caroline minuscule. <br/> Rubrics in red nine two-line initials in red and/or brown one with a light yellow wash and feathered extender one with feathered ascender. ◆Recovered from a binding with the verso consequently somewhat soiled and with a vertical crease obscuring a letter or two on each line a little loss of blank vellum margin but no text lost other light stains and imperfections as expected but still in remarkably good condition the text almost entirely legible and the recto still generally quite pleasing.<br/> <br/> Written in an attractive and highly legible Caroline minuscule this early leaf is desirable not only for its age and script but also for the many initials opening each separate prayer. Inked in brown and orange and sometimes tinged with yellow these initials are reminiscent of those found in the Gellone Sacramentary BNF Latin 12048 an eighth century manuscript with extraordinarily inventive designs incorporating animals knotwork and a multitude of patterns and favoring a color palette of green orange yellow and brown. Although the present examples are simpler in their execution we can see similar tendencies in terms of colors and shapes--especially in the winged designs on two of the initials here. The smaller "S" residing in the larger "D" initial on the recto signifying the word "Deus" is a feature that can also be seen in the Gellone Sacramentary for example on f. 7r. The text here probably comes from a Sacramentary a type of manuscript containing only the words said by a priest or bishop rather than the congregant during Mass and other liturgical services or possibly a Rituale containing the services not included in the Missal or Pontifical. The text on this particular leaf includes blessings for trees. Though recovered from a binding the damage on this leaf is far less severe than is often encountered with such specimens; the text on both sides is intact all but a few letters are entirely legible the margins are quite generous and the initials have been well preserved. unknown
1415ST17763Paris ca. 1415-20. Leaf: 160 x 110 mm. 6 1/4 x 3/8"; Frame: 232 x 185 mm. 9 1/8 x 7 1/4". Recto with three lines single column in a gothic book hand verso not inspected due to frame. <br/> Mounted in a wooden frame. Recto with a three-line initial in blue on gold ground embellished with ivy leaves A HALF-PAGE MINIATURE DEPICTING THE MASS OF ST. GREGORY the recently crucified Christ depicted emerging from a tomb supported by an angel and surrounded by the Arma Christi St. Gregory kneeling at the corner of the image the text and miniature framed by thick bar borders of pink blue and gold on three sides all SURROUNDED BY A FULL BORDER of hairline vines gilt ivy leaves and bezants and a few colorful flowers and acanthus. A little faint smudging in top and bottom borders very small scarcely noticeable area of blue background retouched not affecting the figures but A BEAUTIFUL LEAF the colors bright and the detail in the miniature very well preserved.<br/> <br/> Featuring carefully realized detail intriguing iconography and artistry that shows a very high degree of skill this is an important and early example of the work of the Master of the Harvard Hannibal. The subject of the present work is a well-known story about the sixth century Pope Gregory ca. 540-604 commonly known as St. Gregory the Great. According to legend Gregory was saying Mass when one of his deacons expressed a doubt in the doctrine of Transubstantiation whereby the communion bread actually becomes the body of Christ. Gregory prayed to God for a verifying sign whereupon Christ appeared in the guise of the Man of Sorrows clad in a loincloth and displaying the bloody wounds he incurred during the Crucifixion. Most Medieval miniatures depict Gregory kneeling before an altar as he says Mass accompanied by one or more deacons or assistants who bear witness to the miraculous event. In a notable departure from this norm the present miniature depicts the saint alone at the edge of the picture plane; in place of the chalice host and altar that would normally occupy the center of the scene is a considerable open tomb from which a larger-than-life-size Christ emerges. With blood still rushing from his wounds he places one hand on the edge of the tomb to steady himself while an angel supports him from behind. Christ's expression conveys both physical and mental pain as he struggles to support his own bodyweight; the angel who assists him spreads his wings protectively around the body of Christ while looking down at Gregory with a sorrowful expression knitted into his brow. The fine detail work seen in the figures' faces the angel's wings and the careful delineation of each slender finger is also carried over into more than a dozen objects crammed into the spaces in and around the tomb the rope is especially remarkable in the representation of its detail. Known as the "Arma Christi" or "Instruments of the Passion" these objects are meant to symbolize Christ's suffering. Seen here are: the cross nails and hammer that were used to crucify Christ the ladder used in the Deposition the disembodied hand symbolizing the one which slapped Christ's face the dice used by soldiers to see who would claim his seamless robe a lantern used by the soldiers who arrested Christ the 30 pieces of silver from Judas' betrayal a purple robe used in the mockery of Christ and other items that appear as part of the Passion narrative. It is also interesting to note that although a St. Gregory miniature usually appears at the beginning of the Hours of the Cross the Penitential Psalms or before the Seven Prayers of St. Gregory here rather unusually it opens a reading from John chapter 19 beginning "In illo tempore adprehendit Pilatus Iesum et flagellavit" describing the events of the Passion. This miniature can be attributed to an artist known as the Master of the Harvard Hannibal so-named for a splendid miniature painting of the "Coronation of Hannibal" prefacing a Livy in the Harvard College Library. Active from about 1415-30 in Paris and later possibly Rouen it is believed that our illuminator was a pupil of the Boucicaut Master with whom he is thought to have collaborated on several manuscripts both secular and religious. The present miniature would probably have been executed early in his career and while it certainly shows the influence of his teacher it also reveals certain stylistic tendencies that would become staples of the Master of the Harvard Hannibal's more mature work such as his preference for rich colors heavy molding of the faces and interest in decorative details. With its clever composition meticulous detail work and emotive figures that engage the viewer the present miniature is not only a beautiful work of art it also documents the precocious talent of an emerging master early in his professional career. unknown
1440ST19540aMetz ca. 1440. Leaf: 162 x 124 mm. 6 3/8 x 4 7/8". Frame: 308 x 258 mm. 12 1/8 x 10 1/8". Single column three lines of text under the miniature obverse with 18 ruled lines five of which contain text in a gothic book hand. <br/> Attractively matted and framed. Recto with one three-line initial in gold on pink and blue ground WITH A LARGE MINIATURE OF THE CRUCIFIXION WASHED IN BLUE Christ on a painted gold cross flanked by two thieves on painted gold crosses surrounded by throngs of people including the Virgin St. John Mary Magdalene and numerous soldiers all in an arched gold frame inside a three-sided painted and gilt baguette and a FULL BORDER of colorful vine sprays and flowers inhabited by a peacock. See: "The Jeanne Miles Blacburn Collection of Manuscript Illuminations" nos. 29-38; Avril & Reynaud pp. 182 & 190. Minor soiling/browning right at inner edge away from border and image otherwise IN VERY FINE CONDITION THE MINIATURE REMARKABLY WELL PRESERVED WITHOUT ANY LOSS OF PAINT.<br/> <br/> This stunning miniature with its memorable nocturnal scene comes from a very fine Book of Hours probably executed by Henri d'Orquevaulz or d'Orquevaulx or a member of his workshop. D'Oquevaulz was active during the second quarter of the 15th century in Metz the cultural and commercial capital of Lorraine during the period and the center of a growing book trade. According to the catalogue of the Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection in the Cleveland Museum of Art which owns 10 leaves from the original manuscript the parent Book of Hours can be localized based on the Lorraine dialect found in the French text on some of the leaves including the present example and because the calendar singled out two bishop-saints of Metz Clement and Arnoul. Although little is known about d'Orquevaulz his dated signature in the colophon of a Livy manuscript that he illuminated for an alderman of Metz indicates that he was active in that city in 1440. Artistic affinities with northern European styles make it possible that d'Orquevaulz had emigrated from the Netherlands or Germany to Lorraine; another possibility one that Avril and Renaud suggest is that the master himself was from Metz but that he had German associates perhaps from the Rhineland area. According to these two scholars the painter's use of large flat areas of colors is more typical of the Rhineland the Netherlands or Bohemia than of France; in any case they praise his "exquisite color harmonies." The artist has outdone himself in the present miniature rising to the height of pathos and making it one of the most extraordinary leaves we have ever offered for sale. In contrast to the bright colors used in Books of Hours even to depict the most serious scenes the present leaf presents a remarkable visual nocturne with the figures and buildings painted in the same shades of blue as the sky suggesting that heaven itself is darkening at the death of Christ. Mary Magdalen kneels at the foot of the cross while St. John supports the devastated Virgin as a soldier pierces the Savior's side with a lance. The miniature is crowded with figures we see well-defined faces of no fewer than 18 persons and two horses but the artist has not lost his dramatic focus as Christ on his cross of brushed gold dominates the scene. In choosing to make this a darkened composition the artist has risked obscuring detail but his skill has been equal to his concept here as he has used a diluted blue paint that allows for a very successful delineation in various shades almost like grisaille this technique not incidentally has prevented the cracking and erosion so commonly seen with the normal thick applications of typical cobalt blue. The result of the decision to show the world in eclipse at Christ's death is to heighten and universalize the drama here to such an extent that the scene leaves a powerful and lasting impression. The text on this leaf is entirely in French in rhyming verse. Roughly it translates as: "Jesus on the cross did hang / And took upon himself our sins / Gave to humankind redemption / Rendered up his soul to God. / The sunshine lost its glowing light / The earth did tremble and did crack / Grieving for the bitter death / Suffered by the son of God." Although the original Book of Hours was dismembered some time in the 20th century extant leaves suggest that its visual program was much bigger than usual and probably the result of an important commission by a wealthy patron--something likely to be painted by one of the chief artists in the workshop. Illuminated manuscripts from Metz--let alone examples of this quality--are uncommonly seen on the market. unknown
ST12668bLNortheastern France probably Arras late 15th century. 146 x 95 mm. 5 3/4 x 3 3/4". Single column 15 lines in a pleasing bâtarde hand. <br/> Attractively framed leaves with full borders showing one side only and the leaf with images of saints in double-sided glass frame showing both recto and verso. All leaves with rubrics in red and one- and two-line initials in brushed gold on a red or blue ground some leaves with three-line initials on orange or green ground. Each leaf WITH EITHER A FULL BORDER OR PANEL BORDER WITH BRUSHED GOLD GROUND AND VERY PRETTY ILLUSIONISTIC FLOWERS AND FRUITS the leaf with the panel border also FEATURING TWO SMALL MINIATURES OF SAINTS. Headlines written in French in a later 18th century calligraphic hand. ◆Brushed gold a little faded in places otherwise excellent specimens generally clean and smooth.<br/> <br/> From a charmingly decorated 15th century prayer book these beautifully framed leaves are ready to hang on the wall or give as a gift to a lucky recipient. Two types of leaves are offered here: the first consists of a full border with illusionistic flowers fruit and at least one insect or creature; the second contains a panel border and two small miniatures depicting St. Anthony often called the Father of all Monks and the lesser known St. Eligius patron saint of metalworkers. For unframed leaves from this same manuscript please check our website. unknown
ST15769aPerhaps France mid-12th century. Each leaf measures approximately 370 x 240 mm. 14 1/2 x 9 1/2". Double column 32 lines in a fine proto-gothic hand. <br/> See: Thompson "An Introduction to Greek and Latin Paleography" p. 436. ◆Recovered from a binding and thus with one side of each leaf somewhat browned soiled and with a few creases one leaf with several small blotches of red paint in the text not affecting overall legibility one corner of each leaf torn away affecting running title and one to two lines of text other trivial defects but still very nice specimens with clear and legible script and one side of each leaf quite clean and well preserved.<br/> <br/> Once part of a large and elegant Romanesque Bible these leaves are excellent examples of a high quality proto-gothic book hand. Sometimes referred to as "praegothica" or "late Caroline" the proto-gothic script is characterized by letterforms that are more or less unchanged from Caroline minuscule but with a number of traits starting to show elements of gothic script--most notably the addition of feet appearing here as an upward flick of the pen on the bottom of minims but also including the use of more abbreviations the fusion of certain letter combinations a more elongated "o" and a straight-backed "a." Whatever the level of its evolution the script here has very pleasing rounded letterforms that are highly legible and generously spaced. Though the vellum is not unmarred by its former life as binding material the script here has not lost any of its beauty revealing a hand that is practiced regular and distinctly pleasing to the eye. As Thompson notes "In the twelfth century the scribes seem to have vied with each other in producing the best types of book-writing of which they were capable with the result that remarkable precision in the formation of the letter was attained and that the century may be named as excelling all others for the beauty of its MSS." Our leaves come from Deuteronomy the Old Testament book consisting primarily of three sermons made by Moses just before entering the Promised Land. One leaf contains brief summaries of chapters 2-18 with some chapters numbered in the margins while the other leaf contains part of the first of Moses' speeches in which he recalls the Israelites' 40-year journey through the wilderness. unknown
1937ST21066London: William Heinemann Limited 1937. FIRST EDITION. Book: 245 x 152 mm. 9 3/4 x 6"; Case: 330 x 235 mm. 13 x 9 1/4". 3 p.l. 34 pp. <br/> LOVELY CONTEMPORARY STIFF VELLUM GILT AND PAINTED covers with delicate gilt frame sprays of flower and leaves at each corner outlined in gilt and painted blue and green central lozenge outlined in gilt dots and framed by painted flowers and leaves a large initial "A" in gilt at center smooth spine divided into compartments with gilt and painted floral ornament turn-ins with gilt floral roll sky blue silk endleaves all edges gilt. Housed in a fine oversized blue morocco case designed to look like a book with gilt lettering on the upper cover raised bands gilt ruled compartments and lettering to spine the interior constructed and padded to hold the smaller book and lined with blue velvet spine of case a bit sunned corners a little rubbed clasp no longer functional. A FINE COPY clean and fresh internally in a pristine binding.<br/> <br/> With very considerable visual and tactile appeal this is a gracefully bound copy of the the final book of verse issued by Richard Aldington published before he turned exclusively to writing prose. A leading poet of the early 20th-century Imagist school Aldington né Edward Godfree Aldington 1892-1962 was a prolific writer whose 50-year career produced novels biographies translations and literary criticism as well as sharp minimalist free verse. He was part of the contemporary London avant-garde crowd being close friends with Ezra Pound T. S. Eliot Amy Lowell and D. H. Lawrence; and he was especially close to the poet H. D. Hilda Doolittle his first wife from 1913-38. As literary editor of the leading Modernist periodical "The Egoist" he was an integral part of the pre-World War I literary scene and his first largely autobiographical work "Death of a Hero" 1929 was considered by George Orwell and Lawrence Durrell to be the best of the English Great War novels. The poems here were written in the mid-1930s when Aldington had decamped to the United States after the woman he loved Netta Patmore rejected his proposal of marriage. While tracing his grief and longing the verses also build the image of a "crystal world" created by the love of an ardent couple concluding that "Only from the purity of extreme passion / And alas the purity of extreme pain / Can you build the crystal world." Happily Aldington's beloved Netta to whom the work is dedicated reversed her decision and agreed in 1938 to help him build their crystal world together. The present lovely binding is unsigned but the delicate precise tooling and elegant design indicate the work of very talented hands. The romantic contents and the rather feminine aspect of the binding suggest that this was a gift from one lover to another perhaps a recipient sharing the initial "A" with our author. And the oversized and extravagant custom case indicates how much this object was treasured. William Heinemann Limited unknown
1914ST18714London 1914. 265 x 207 mm. 10 1/2 x 8 1/4". 41 3 blank pp. 1 leaf colophon. <br/> RESPLENDENT IN DARK BLUE MOROCCO RICHLY GILT AND ONLAID BY RIVIERE & SON stamp-signed on front doublure covers with wide frame of swirling gilt vines bearing red morocco blossoms and blue and green berries bordered by strips of green and tan morocco central panel of upper cover with recessed oval containing a portrait of a young nun sculpted in leather with painted details this encircled by an onlaid ivory morocco rosary and surrounded by an exuberant spray of red morocco poppies with green and tan leaves central panel of lower cover with an arch-backed black morocco cat beneath the arch of a gray morocco horseshoe at center a black and red witch's hat above the horseshoe and the whole on a very densely stippled gilt ground incised with calligraphic curls and set with nine silver stars around the cat this centerpiece surrounded by curling gilt vines bearing red morocco and gilt posies raised bands spine compartments framed with tan morocco and containing a gilt and onlaid floral sprig TAN MOROCCO DOUBLURES bordered by a strip of purple morocco this with onlaid green morocco frame adorned with gilt latticework densely stippled gilt cornerpieces set with purple morocco passionflowers all accented with inlaid circles of purple navy and green in varying sizes leather hinges apricot watered silk endleaves all edges gilt. In the original silk- and velvet-lined green morocco box. Numerous two- to three-line initials in red blue or burnished gold three three-line illuminated initials 11 five- to six-line initials in shades of purple blue and green with highlights of pink and burnished gold two of these with extensions running the length of the text and two incorporated into full borders four very large initials 12 lines or more in colors and gold five full borders that on title page incorporating a small oval miniature of Whittier and TWO FULL-PAGE MINIATURES one of a young nun at prayer the other of two lovers walking in a forest. Calligraphed colophon SIGNED by Sangorski stating: "This manuscript . . . was designed written out and illuminated by Alberto Sangorski for Messrs. R. Rivière & Son Bookbinders & Booksellers to his Majesty King George V. London. This manuscript will not be duplicated. This manuscript was executed by me." From the collection of Phoebe A. D. Boyle her sale at Anderson Galleries 19-20 November 1923 lot 368. Front flyleaf with engraved bookplate of comic book pioneer M. C. Gaines 1894-1947; typed description from "Kolb Collection" Louis Kolb laid in. Ratcliffe "Albert Sangorski Bibliography" SJR 245. Vellum a bit wavy as is typical but A BEAUTIFUL COPY the leaves creamy and bright being painted with rich colors and glittering gold and IN A FLAWLESS BINDING.<br/> <br/> This is an outstanding example of the artistry of Alberto Sangorski and that of the binders gilders and finishers of Riviere & Son the volume being executed at the zenith of their creative powers and formerly owned by the most important collector of Sangorski's manuscripts. Sangorski has written out and illuminated three poems by American author John Greenleaf Whittier: "The Female Martyr" inspired by an 18-year-old nun from the Sisters of Charity who died nursing cholera victims; "The Witch's Daughter" set in Puritan New England; and "Memories" a lover's touching reminiscences of youthful romance. In addition to elaborate initials and borders in his preferred palette of blues purples and greens brightened with burnished gold Sangorski has created two full-page paintings one of the beautiful young nun at prayer the other of youthful sweethearts strolling arm-in-arm through a wood. <br /> <br /> Alberto Sangorski 1862-1932 started his professional life as secretary to a goldsmith's firm became attracted to the book arts at the age of 43 and began doing illuminated manuscripts that were then bound by his brother Francis' firm Sangorski & Sutcliffe. Sometime around 1910 Alberto and Francis had a falling out and the artist went to work for Riviere the chief competitor to his brother's firm. Like the manuscript here our binding by Riviere is the work of many months with hundreds of individual inlays onlays and applications of gilt. Robert Riviere began as a bookseller and binder in Bath in 1829 then set up shop as a binder in London in 1840; in 1881 he took his grandson Percival Calkin into partnership at which time the firm became known as Riviere & Son and the bindery continued to do business until 1939. New York collector Phoebe A. D. Boyle was the widow of a canvas manufacturer who had made a fortune providing tents to the U.S. Army in the Civil War. George Sutcliffe described this important client as "rivalling the Medici in her patronage of the production of beautiful books." Stephen Ratcliffe deems the Boyle collection as "unrivalled" for its jewelled bindings and modern illuminated manuscripts; 33 of Alberto Sangorski's creations appeared in her sale at Anderson Galleries in 1923 and during World War I she was one of the only customers for extravagant productions like the present item. Any book from the Boyle collection which was put together with the greatest taste and discrimination is recognized as desirable beyond its intrinsic literary merit. unknown
190273377London: Edwin Arnold 1902. Limited to 165 numbered copies on vellum at the Essex House Press under C. R. Ashbee. Small octavo. 45 1 pp. Hand-colored frontispiece and two full-page hand-colored illustrations and eighty-five hand-colored ornamental letters by Edith Harwood. Tail-piece. Caslon type. Publisher's vellum with rose and gilt lettering to front cover. Bit of natural mottling to vellum. Custom folding cloth chemise and slipcase. A very good copy.Great Poems Series No. 6. "In 1886 C.R. Ashbee established the Guild of Handicraft at Essex House London. Around the same time Ashbee created the Essex House Press. The Essex House Press published its first book in 1898. The work of the press was very much a part of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Ashbee continually linked the aims of the press with those of John Ruskin and William Morris and described the object of the movement as “making useful things…making them well and…making them beautiful.†The critics however were not so sure about the work of Essex House Press calling it “articraftiness.†Later booklovers came to admire much of its work. Some of the presses and some of the workmen for Essex House Press came from the Kelmscott Press after its demise in 1897 following the death of William Morris. Ashbee designed his own typeface called “Endeavor†for the press. In 1902 the press moved to Glouscestershire. The Essex House Press closed in 1910 having produced more than seventy titles." Univ. of Utah Edwin Arnold hardcover
1805ST21016London: Printed by T. Bensley 1805. APPARENTLY THE ONLY COPY PRINTED ON VELLUM. 260 x 152 mm. 10 x 1/4 x 6". 2 p.l. 146 pp. 1 leaf notes. Translated by Maria Henrietta Montolieu. <br/> Very pleasing contemporary straight-grain scarlet morocco gilt by Charles Hering binder's ticket on verso of front flyleaf covers bordered with a wide frame of multiple patterned rolls with rosette cornerpieces enclosing a delicate frame of a dotted roll cornered small floral tools raised bands spine gilt in compartments wide turn-ins sumptuously gilt cream silk endleaves with gilt borders and fleuron cornerpieces all edges gilt. WITH EIGHT ENGRAVINGS BY FRANCESCO BARTOLOZZI IN TWO STATES one on gold silk and the second on paper. EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED with two engravings depicting Princess Izabela Czartoryska and her daughter Zofia. A Large Paper Copy. Henrey 624. See also Clemens Alexander Wimmer "The Princess and the Poles" Historic Gardens Review no. 10 2002: 14-17. Spine slightly darkened joints and edges with minor barely noticeable wear vellum a bit and naturally rumpled and consequently the book yawning a bit a handful of light spots but still an extremely appealing copy with fine impressions of the plates vast margins and a special story to tell.<br/> <br/> Printed on vellum richly bound and illustrated with attractive plates on silk this is an extraordinarily luxurious copy of Delille's famous poem on gardens that almost certainly belonged to a noblewoman whose gardens are mentioned in the text. First published in 1780 our poem condemns formal gardens and broad promenades in favor of a gardening art which hides its artistry by reproducing the asymmetrical groupings of nature and careless bounty of the countryside. This view accords with the translation of Virgil's "Georgics" done by Delille 1738-1813 in 1769 a version that brought him great acclaim for its supple and sonorous versification. In fact it so pleased the Count of Artois the future Charles X that he named Delille abbot of Saint-Séverin; however revolution disrupted things and the poet for a time led a wandering life in Switzerland Germany and England where this updated and expanded version of "Gardens" was published in 1801. The present special edition includes the plates which had appeared as head- and tailpieces in the first edition but now used as stand-alone plates in two states. These were executed by Bartolozzi after originals by Portuguese neoclassical painter Francisco Vieira. In addition to the called-for suite of illustrations our copy includes two inserted plates portraits of Princess Izabela Czartoryska 1745-1835 and her daughter Zofia. Czartoryska was a major figure in the Polish Enlightenment as a writer and patron of the arts as well as an advocate for improving the lives of the poor. She is best remembered for the sprawling gardens at her palace in Pu awy which included a formal garden a "wild promenade" or landscape park and multiple structures including the neoclassical Temple of the Sibyl which became one of Poland's first museums. She made the acquaintance of the author while travelling through Paris in 1791 and the two struck up a friendship. She financially backed the second edition of the work in exchange for a mention of her gardens which duly appears in heightened verse on pp. 11-13: "Favoured Pulhavi! You from Heaven obtain / Each separate charm Earth's choicest scenes contain; / Bright glow thy features fresh from Nature's hand / Excite our wonder and our praise command." The presence of this poetic tribute--and especially the inserted plates showing the princess and her daughter-- clearly suggest that the our apparently unique luxury edition must have been a presentation copy to Czartoryska herself. The present copy is as striking outside as it is inside. Charles Hering was the most distinguished and influential English binder of the first decade of the 19th century and although his career was brief from about 1795-1812 Ramsden focuses on his work as representing the transition in binding styles from those of the German émigrés of the late 18th century to the new generation of binders headed by Charles Lewis. Dibdin states that until "the star of Charles Lewis rose above the bibliopegistic horizon no one could presume to 'measure business' with Hering. There was a strength squareness and a good style of work about his volumes which rendered him deservedly a great favourite." We have been unable to trace any other copies of the present edition on vellum. Printed by T. Bensley unknown
