Online

05-23-201706-02-2017
Skinner Website
Skinner WebsiteOnline
May 23, 2017 12:00 PM - June 2, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
1162

Book of Hours, Use of Rouen, Illuminated Latin Manuscript on Parchment.

Sell one like this
$24,600$20,000
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 3012TLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: May 23, 2017 12:00PM

Description:

Book of Hours, Use of Rouen, Illuminated Latin Manuscript on Parchment. Rouen, c. 1490-1510. Quarto-format parchment manuscript featuring eight full-page miniatures with architectural borders; the first calendar leaf with a complete illuminated border featuring dragons; each calendar page illuminated with two border miniatures depicting the activity that symbolizes the month and the zodiacal sign, along with an ornamental panel containing an abstract/plant-themed border design: January: feasting and Aquarius; February: warming by the fire and Pisces; March: pruning grape vines and Aries; April: a courting couple (man offers woman flowers) and Taurus; May: courting couple (riding together on a horse) and Gemini; June: sowing the field and Cancer; July: harvesting grain and Leo; August: gathering seed and Virgo; September: stamping on grapes in a barrel and Libra; October: sowing seeds and Scorpio; November: tending swine and Sagittarius; December: butchering swine and Capricorn; calendar text in French with entries in red and blue, and major feast days in gold, with some spaces left blank (calendar includes feast days that pertain to Rouen); no catchwords; seventy five leaves (of seventy-nine? lacking: ii 1, ii 9, iv 5, and vii 6); large illuminated miniatures as follows: folio 19: the Visitation; folio 26: the Crucifixion; folio 27 Pentecost; folio 28: Annunciation to the shepherds; folio 34: Adoration of the Magi; folio 37: Flight into Egypt; folio 39: Wounds of Christ; and folio 43: King David kneeling in prayer; the miniatures are characterized by architectural and arch-topped borders that feature decorated and fanciful columns sometimes terminating in clawed feet, executed in a markedly russet palette with warm browns and deep oranges accented in gold; the border designs found on each text leaf include the often seen fruit, acanthus, and flower motifs, along with repeated use of painted pearls and grotesque dragon-like creatures; text in Latin, twenty-five lines per page, executed in a brown ink, with smaller colored and gilt initials and line-fill; bound in an early 19th century blind- and gilt-tooled calfskin binding, with parchment pastedowns and fly leaves, front board detached; ex libris Henry A. Whitney, with a gift inscription on ffep dated January 17, 1818, first leaf of calendar rubbed, toned, with some loss of paint, 6 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.
Estimate $30,000-40,000

i 6, ii-vii 12 (lacking ii 1; ii 9; iv 5; and vii 6).


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Henry A. Whitney, Egypt