Description
An Illuminated Manuscript On Vellum [Italy (Perhaps Florence), Fourteenth Century] a leaf, 315mm. by 230mm., 22 lines in a high grade angular bookhand, initials formed from ornamental penstrokes and separated from beginning of lines of verse, full border of the continuous gloss of the early fourteenth-century English author William Wheatley (see below) in smaller hand, rubrics and paragraph marks in red, two illuminated initials on blue or pink grounds with scrolling coloured acanthus leaves and large teardrop-like bezants, recovered from the binding of a series of Florentine historical works, partly by the Florentine humanist Matteo Palmieri, with sixteenth-century inscriptions identifying those works on its blank back, with scuffs, rubbing to initials, folds and small holes in places (with minor affect to 3 of glosses), overall in fair and presentable condition.
Reference #
MS_BZ_1010
Civilization
Byzantine, Medieval , 1400 C.E.
Size
H. 31.5 cm x W. 23 cm
Condition
Overall in fair and presentable condition
Price
Price available upon request
Provenance
Baidun Collection, acquired at Sotheby’s sale December 2013
Frequently Asked Questions
The illuminated manuscript leaf measures 315mm by 230mm, which is approximately 31.5 cm in height and 23 cm in width. This size is typical for manuscript leaves from the early 15th century.
The manuscript features 22 lines written in a high-grade angular bookhand, a formal script style used in medieval manuscripts. The initials are formed from ornamental penstrokes and are separated from the beginning of lines of verse.
The continuous gloss surrounding the text is by William Wheatley, an early fourteenth-century English author. The gloss is written in a smaller hand and provides commentary or explanation alongside the main text.
The manuscript includes two illuminated initials on blue or pink grounds, decorated with scrolling coloured acanthus leaves and large teardrop-like bezants. Additionally, rubrics and paragraph marks are highlighted in red, enhancing the visual appeal.
This manuscript leaf was part of the Baidun Collection and was acquired at a Sotheby’s sale in December 2013. It was recovered from the binding of Florentine historical works, some partly by humanist Matteo Palmieri, with sixteenth-century inscriptions on the back.
The manuscript leaf is in fair and presentable condition overall. It shows some scuffs, rubbing to initials, folds, and small holes in places, which slightly affect three of the glosses, but these do not significantly detract from its overall integrity.
The price of the manuscript leaf is not publicly listed and is available upon request. Interested buyers or researchers should contact the seller or collection holder for pricing information.
