Lot 34
  • 34

The Crucifixion, large full-page miniature on a leaf from the Missal of Jan de Broedere [Flanders (perhaps Grammont), c.1510s]

Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description

  • Vellum
single leaf, 335x223mm, vellum, with a large miniature and full borders including roundels with the attributes of the Evangelists for the Canon of the Mass, recto with 3 lines of text and music on four-line brown staves, rastrum 18mm, in the blank space below an added supplication emphasising the resisting of the nations of pagans and heretics by the Pope, his princes and their peoples, some flaking from edge of border and small smudges, some pigment loss, in good condition, framed and glazed, double-sided

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 Canon miniature of the summer volume of the Missal of Jan de Broedere, Abbot of Grammont in eastern Flanders from 1506 to 1526

provenance

(1) The parent volume was in the collection of Beriah Botfield (1807-63), bought from Thomas Thorpe, Catalogue part ii, 1830, no.7223; and passed to the Marquesses of Bath at Longleat; their sale at Christie's, 13 June 2002, lot 3, appearing most recently in Les Enluminures, 1991-2011, no.8. The companion winter volume was owned by William Euing (1788-74), and gifted to Glasgow University Library (Euing 29; see The Glory of the Page, exh.cat., 1987, pp.192-93).

(2) This grand miniature was removed from the summer volume after f.93r, along with others, probably before 1830, and reappeared in our rooms, 10 December 1969, lot 8 (ill.); sold to Francis Edwards for £350; to the present owner.

illumination

The artists of this majestic Missal can be identified as the Masters of Raphael de Mercatellis (see also lot 79), who worked for de Mercatellis, the famous bibliophilic son of Duke Philip of Burgundy and abbot of St Bavo's in nearby Ghent (cf. A. Derolez, The Library of Raphael de Marcatellis, 1979, no.50). Characteristic for the illuminator of the present miniature is his precise drawing, muted colours set in contrast to each other, and the very fine modelling of faces and the body of Christ. The serene and peaceful atmosphere is well adapted to the contemplative purpose of the miniature.