- 8
FRENCH, LIMOGES, CIRCA 1210-30, | Champlevé enamel bookcover with the Crucifixion
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Champlevé enamel bookcover with the Crucifixion
- champlevé enamel on engraved and gilt copper plaque; enamelled in dark blue, medium blue, turquoise, yellow, green, red and white; with applied embossed gilt-copper figures; Christ with blue glass eyes and with a blue cabochon on the perizonium
- 26 x 14,5 cm; 10 by 5 2/3 in.
Provenance
Private collection.
Literature
RELATED LITERATURE
E. Taburet-Delahaye, L'oeuvre de Limoges. Emaux limousins du Moyen Age, exh. cat. Paris, New York, 1995-1996, p. 280, no. 88.
E. Taburet-Delahaye, L'oeuvre de Limoges. Emaux limousins du Moyen Age, exh. cat. Paris, New York, 1995-1996, p. 280, no. 88.
Condition
In overall good condition with minor scratches to the surface of the enamel. There are some lacks of enamel, notably on the Christ's aureole and along the borders, particularly to the upper edge. There is general wear to the gilding of the plaque and to the figures in high relief. The edge of the copper frame to the right border of the plaque is slightly bent and there is a small lack to the upper right angle of the plaque. There is some greening to the copper notably to the upper border. There are ten drilling holes visible to the copper framing where the plaque was attached to the bookcover. One blue glass eye is missing. Good quality and rare champlevé enamel. The applied figures in fairly high relief. The copper and the enamel have been tested by CARAA revealing a composition perfectly conform to Limoges early 13th champlevé enamel production. (Test available on request)
"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."
"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
Limoges champlevé book covers were fashioned to protect bound biblical texts and manuscripts and to match in splendour the illuminations of the sacred words within, since the early 12th century. Traditionnally, the Crucifixion most often featured on the front cover, with the Christ in Majesty on the reverse. One of the most important remaining examples is the late 12th enamel book cover both in the collection of the V&A Museum, London (inv. no. 651-1898) and the Bode Museum, Berlin (inv. no. 1917.85).