FEATURES ARCHIVE

Scintillating, colourful, richly embellished illuminated manuscripts are meticulously crafted works of art. While they are treasured by bibliophiles, they can also be enjoyed by connoisseurs of Old Master drawings and prints with an eye for the finest workmanship and detail, and their intricate designs and gem-like hues can be appreciated by lovers of jewellery and all things beautiful.

The 6 July sale allows collectors of books, manuscripts and other forms of art to discover the universal appeal of these lovely creations, and admire every line and detail – from the luminous colours to the exquisite modelling, the distinguished provenance of each piece, and ultimately, the inherent beauty in these wonderful pieces of art.

One of the highlights of the sale is The Great Hours of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, a truly spectacular 15th century manuscript. Galeazzo Maria Sforza, duke of Milan from 1466-1476, was a ruthless womanizer and cruel despot but his artistic and literary patronage gave rise to works of great elegance and luxury. None is more impressive than The Great Hours, which combines exceptional size with a sophisticated sense of design.

The patron’s mottoes and devices are rendered in clear bright colours and sparkling gold to great decorative effect. The extremely accomplished execution and the immaculate condition of the manuscript make this a truly desirable piece.

This wonderful work is only one among many beautiful and precious books on offer, which is the third installment of the sales from the Arcana Collection – one of the very finest collections of books and manuscripts still in private hands.

Saintly Devotion

In a brilliant visualization of narrative typical of the artist, Willem Vrelant, the evocative landscape and courtly elegance of St. Eustace suggest what the future saint will renounce for Christ. Vrelant became a favoured illuminator of the Dukes of Burgundy but this miniature comes from the famous Loredan Hours, made for a member of that great Venetian family, most of which is now in the Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal in Paris.

Celestial Body

These arresting diagrams demonstrate how astronomy and astrology were once a single area of scientific study. The first illustration provides the correct astrological context for the diagnosis and treatment of illness by showing which sign of the zodiac governs which part of the body. Where to take blood, the most common remedy, is the subject of the second diagram: the bleeding point was determined by the relationship of the moon to the governing zodiac sign.

Erotic Charge

Although probably written and decorated in Bourges, circa 1505–10, this manuscript had migrated north to Paris by 1514, where Raymond Bourgeoys, an attorney, recorded the birth of a daughter – the first of 17 children born within 19 years. Despite appearing in a book of religious devotion, the image of King David spying on Bathsheba bathing is startlingly sexual.

Ferrarese Glory

Embellished with sparkling colours and splendid detail – including delightful vignettes of animals and birds – the exquisite illumination of the four full-page borders of gold scrollwork possesses the decorative charm of fine jewellery. Painted in a style characteristic of the finest manuscripts made for the d’Este court in Ferrara, it is the work of Fra Evangelista da Reggio and bears the arms of the Libanori, family of the ducal chancellor.