PETÖFI, Sandor (1823-1849) – Illuminated manuscript of A Gránátos [The Grenadier], Hungary, c.1900. Manuscript on strong wove paper, 8 pages quarto (290 x 200 mm), each page with a scrolling illuminated border in watercolours, many with erotic subjects (margins lightly yellowed). Mounted on stubs in the original cloth-backed boards, the upper cover with a decorative manuscript title in the same hand (hinges neatly repaired, corners rubbed). Provenance: Dr Henrik Kismartony (pictorial bookplate). [Together with:] TOMPA, Mihaly (1819-1868) – Illuminated manuscript of Komoly Beszédek víg Théma fölött [Serious Conversations on a Comic Topic], Hungary, c.1900. Manuscript on strong wove paper, 25 pages quarto (290 x 200 mm), each page with an illuminated border in watercolours, most with erotic or explicit subjects (margins very faintly yellowed). Mounted on stubs in the original cloth-backed boards, the upper cover with a decorative manuscript title in the same hand (some soiling, paper rippling on the lower board, extremities rubbed). TWO MANUSCRIPTS WITH VERY FINE EROTIC ILLUMINATIONS, the first for a poem attributed to Petöfi, Hungary’s national poet, and the second attributed to Tompa. Both men took part in the Revolution of 1848, the movement to throw off Austria’s yoke inspired in no small part by the patriotism stirred-up by Petöfi and Tompa’s moving lyrics. The light and playful drawings in both manuscripts are in the highly confident and accomplished hand of the same, as-yet unidentified artist.