ROYAL MARRIAGE MISSAL OF PRINCESS MARIA CAROLINA - Illuminated manuscript on vellum by Anne Elisabeth Laurence de Montmorency Princess de Bauffremont-Courtenay (1802-1860), executed for the wedding of Prince Eugenio di Savoia-Carignano and Princess Maria Karolina, Princess imperial, Archduchess of Austria, Princess Royal of Hungary and Bohemia, held in Turin, 1844.

Details

ROYAL MARRIAGE MISSAL OF PRINCESS MARIA CAROLINA - Illuminated manuscript on vellum by Anne Elisabeth Laurence de Montmorency Princess de Bauffremont-Courtenay (1802-1860), executed for the wedding of Prince Eugenio di Savoia-Carignano and Princess Maria Karolina, Princess imperial, Archduchess of Austria, Princess Royal of Hungary and Bohemia, held in Turin, 1844.
24 folios plus 5 blank leaves (206 x 140 mm). Text in French. Three full-page iluminations, the first displaying the arms of Prince Eugenio and Princess Maria on opening leaf (blank on verso), another of a gold damask curtain dividing the general order of the mass from the 'Messe des épousailles', and finally of a putti bearing a heraldic shield on verso of penultimate leaf, signed by the illuminator. The first and last with plain borders ruled in gold, the other without borders. Other leaves with highly elaborate illuminated borders with inset portraits and historical scenes which include the entry of Emanuele Filiberto to Turin, the investiture of Prince Eugenio, Marie Thérèse Archduchess of Austria, the battle of Lepanto, the capture of Cracadero 31 August 1823, fame trumpeting within a bay wreath of historic places and dates, the bride and groom, Saint Amedée Duca di Savoia and a gallery of other saints, the princess's spaniel, and two scenes of storm and shipwreck in 1838 and 1839.

Original burgundy velvet binding with cornerpieces and central clasp of enamel and chased gold inset with semi-precious stones including agate and malacite, the green stone on clasp catch inscribed 'Marie' in gilt, white watered silk doublures (upper joints slightly split), later red leather protective case.

A SUPREME EXAMPLE OF THE REVIVAL OF MANUSCRIPT ILLUMINATION IN THE 19TH CENTURY complimented by an exceptional jewelled binding, held on the wedding-day by the bride, Princess Maria Karoline, on one of the great dynastic unions of the 19th century. IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

Lot Essay

Eugenio Emanuele di Savoia-Carignano, Prince of Carignano, (1816-1888) married at Turin, Maria Karolina, Archduchess of Austria, (1821-1844) daughter of Archduke Rainer of Austria and Princess Maria Francesca di Savoia-Carignano in 1844. Maria's younger sister, Adelaide, Queen of Sardinia, (1822-1855) married Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Italy, (1820-1878) in 1842. Eugenio served in the Sardinian navy and attained the rank of Admiral and served in the Crimea. As a member of the royal family, he was appointed Luogotenente Generale del Regno (Lieutentant-general of the realm) in 1848 to carry out some of the duties of Carlo Alberto in 1849 and the succession of Vittorio Emanuele II. He held the same position in 1859 and 1866 when Vittorio Emanuele II was involved in the Italian wars of independence.

More from Works of Art from the Collection of S.A.R. La Principessa Reale Maria Gabriella Di Savoia

View All