Lot 15
  • 15

An Angel Hybrid, cutting from a Choirbook, in Latin [France (Paris), c.1290s]

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • illuminated manuscript on vellum
cutting, 184x157mm, vellum, with inhabited initial ‘A’ for the Easter chant "Angelus domini locutus"), text and music in square notation on four-line red staves, erased on recto, rastrum 18mm, minor damage and smudging

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The initial with the fine sculptural angel hybrid is similar in style to manuscripts produced by Maître Honoré who worked in Paris for the court of Philip the Fair (1285-1314). A Breviary made in 1296 for the King (Paris, BnF, lat.1023) is typical of his work, including lively figures drawn with a remarkable sense of volume and delicate modelling. The inclusion of a haloed, winged, angel in the present example was inspired by its text. But what is highly unusual is that the angel is treated as a hybrid, emerging from the body of a lion.

Another cutting apparently from the same manuscript was in the collection of Neil F. Philips, Q.C. (1924-1997), exhibited at the Ketonah Museum of Art, New York (Benton, ed., Medieval Monsters, 1995, pp.24-25 and fig.67), subsequently sold in our rooms, 2 December 1997, lot 64.