Venus in her chariot over a view of Rome, full-page miniature [Italy, c.1540]

single leaf, c.240x165mm, vellum, miniature on recto with gutter fold to left, verso blank, small holes and darkened towards the edges not affecting the miniature, in a 19th-century gilt frame

Provenance: (1) Ambroise-Théodore Comte d’Estampes (1830-89), a late descendant of the noble d’Estampes family originating in Berry in the 14th century, notably Robinet d’Estampes, the treasurer of Jean, Duc de Berry: armorial label on back of frame ‘Collection du Comte d'Estampes, 12, Rue Pigalle’. (2) Priv. coll., US.

This miniature seems to derive from a manuscript containing an ancient epic, a history or collection of legends. Two other miniatures were offered by J. Günther, Brochure 11, 2009, nos.37–8.

From the same manuscript as the following lot.

For images of the frame and the label see SOTHEBYS.COM