ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS FOR SALE PDF

When a map was made of the vellum leaves, i.e. However, neither collation is an accurate reflection of how the book was originally constructed. When the book was disbound it was clear that the actual collation was: A8, B6, C-F8, G2, H4, I8, J-K6, L-M8, N8(-1), O6, P6(-1). The cataloguer’s collation or description of the organization of the text block was: A6, B-D12, E6, F-H12, I-K8, L8(-1). Velvet black binding, sewn over 4 raised bands.ĭocumentation of this manuscript book exemplifies the difficulties encountered by a cataloguer in attempting to accurately describe a bound text.

ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS FOR SALE PDF

View PDF of Manuscript MS0028 Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis A close association between the Pastons and Bromholm priory, Norfolk, suggests this as an early and possibly original provenance for the manuscript. Hence the manuscript was likely in use by the last two decades of the century.

Margaret’s husband John Paston was legal counsel to Henry VII. Furthermore, the calendar includes notations of deaths in the Paston, Berney, and Mumford families - one referring to the death of Margaret Paston whose will, according to an enclosed letter form the British Records Office, was written in 1482. The first leaf done in a contemporary, though different, hand refers to King Henry VI (†1463), Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509), and the English “sweating sickness” that struck in the 1480’s. The potential subtlety of this otherwise forceful style is apparent in the delicate rendering of a cleric’s head emerging from the soft leaf patterns of an initial painted in monochromatic tones of rose (45v). The broad tones of pastel, the softly modeled, voluminous foliage, the spherical, lobed forms and golden discs are typical of English work from the 1440’s onward. The surging, rhythmic leaf patterns, sharply pointed initials, and explosive vine ornament are as aggressive as the Gothic book hand of the text. The standard English style of illumination practiced during the fifteenth century is readily distinguishable from its counterparts on the continent. Several decorated borders and initials, one historiated. Text in Latin: Prayer for Henry VI, Calendar, Psalms, Litany, Hours of the Virgin, Office of the Dead, Hours of the Cross, Prayers.

Abbey Foundation of Oregon Annual Reportsīook of Hours MS0027 Horae Beatae Mariae Virginisġ19 leaves (14.7 x 10.5 cm).These results are a reflection of the unrivalled service offered by Christie’s as market leader in the field and as the only international auction house with a dedicated team of illuminated manuscript specialists. The first edition of the complete works of Plato, printed by the nuns of San Jacopo di Ripoli from 1484-1485, achieved a world record-breaking price for any book by Plato and for any book chiefly printed by women (USD$1,026,000). The entire sale saw exceptional results and sell-through rates (98%) with the top lot, the splendid Hours by the Master of the Paris Bartholomeus Anglicus (USD$3,63,000) joining the select handful of manuscripts that have fetched over a million dollars in the past 50 years. The Rosenberg collections of illuminated manuscripts and of early printed books were both the highest totals achieved at auction in these categories in decades. It has been a privilege and a delight to have been able to work with the illuminated manuscripts and early printed books from this collection, and it shows once again how strong the market is for items of impeccable provenance, condition and quality. This edition was translated by Marsilio Ficino, one of the greatest scholars of Greek in the Renaissance and printed in Florence by the nuns of San Jacopo di Ripoli.Įugenio Donadoni, Senior Specialist, Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts, London, comments, “This was a once-in-a-generation auction, and an emphatic endorsement of the exquisite taste and discerning eye of Alexandre and Elaine Rosenberg. The second top lot of the collection a complete first edition of the works of Plato which set a world auction record any work by Plato and totaled $1,026,000, above the estimate of $200,000-400,000.

Leading the collection was a masterpiece of book painting, the illuminated example of the work of the Master of the Paris Bartholomeus Anglicus, a Parisian Book of Hours, circa 1440 which achieved $3,630,000, exceeding its estimate of $1,500,000-2,500,000.

Illuminated manuscripts for sale