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BOOK OF HOURS FRAGMENT Ref 322 verso JOHN ON PATMOS
This fragment includes a miniature depicting "Saint John on Patmos" and is from the recto of a leaf from a Book of Hours that was produced in France c.1420.
This is a large miniature of Saint John on Patmos. He is seated in a large wooden arm chair behind a wooden lectern desk with two feet showing and a circular shelf. He is seen writing his Revelations, pen in the left hand, scraper in the right. There is a black inkwell at the right of the lectern and to the left hole some of which contain spare quills. On the circular shelf two gold embossed books, one in red and the other in blue. There is a third article which is small, white and oblong but it is difficult to think what it may be. The emblem of Saint John, his eagle, is perched on the lectern.
Saint John is youthful looking with long, curly hair. He wears a blue smock over which is a maroon cloak.
The whole scene is set in a grassy meadow with a multitude of colourful spring flowers under a clear blue sky. In the distance are tall trees in full leaf (highlighted with liquid gold), a tall brown mountain and the golden rays of the Lord shining down.
The miniature is surrounded by a pink and burnished gold frame divided by, and outlined in, black.
The maximum size of the miniature and its frame is 91mm x 55mm (3 11/20ins. x 2 3/20ins.).
The text is the opening of the “Gospel sequences” that begin with the Gospel of Saint John chapter 1, verses 1 to 14.
The maximum size of the fragment is 170mm x 87mm (6 7/10ins. x 3 4/10ins.).
PROVENANCE: -
Purchased from Kunsthandel Chidsanucha Ubber E.K, Leipzig, the fragment had previously been an unsold lot in Hartung and Hartung Auction 130, 7th. May 2012 (lot 30).
GENERAL COMMENTS: -
Whilst this is not a complete leaf, and it does appear that there may have been some re-touching the John’s maroon cloak, the miniature has to be one of the finest that I have ever seen for sale outside of the major auction house catalogues. There is so much character in the depiction, and what is left of the border decoration is so magnificent, that the whole fragment is quite stunning. So far I have been unable to ascertain the workshop that was responsible for producing it but it must have been made by an artist of great talent and part of a Book of Hours of wonderful quality. The search will continue.
ANY ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING THE ORIGIN OF THE ITEM WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.
BOOK OF HOURS FRAGMENT Ref 322 verso JOHN ON PATMOS
This fragment includes a miniature depicting "Saint John on Patmos" and is from the recto of a leaf from a Book of Hours that was produced in France c.1420.
This is a large miniature of Saint John on Patmos. He is seated in a large wooden arm chair behind a wooden lectern desk with two feet showing and a circular shelf. He is seen writing his Revelations, pen in the left hand, scraper in the right. There is a black inkwell at the right of the lectern and to the left hole some of which contain spare quills. On the circular shelf two gold embossed books, one in red and the other in blue. There is a third article which is small, white and oblong but it is difficult to think what it may be. The emblem of Saint John, his eagle, is perched on the lectern.
Saint John is youthful looking with long, curly hair. He wears a blue smock over which is a maroon cloak.
The whole scene is set in a grassy meadow with a multitude of colourful spring flowers under a clear blue sky. In the distance are tall trees in full leaf (highlighted with liquid gold), a tall brown mountain and the golden rays of the Lord shining down.
The miniature is surrounded by a pink and burnished gold frame divided by, and outlined in, black.
The maximum size of the miniature and its frame is 91mm x 55mm (3 11/20ins. x 2 3/20ins.).
The text is the opening of the “Gospel sequences” that begin with the Gospel of Saint John chapter 1, verses 1 to 14.
The maximum size of the fragment is 170mm x 87mm (6 7/10ins. x 3 4/10ins.).
PROVENANCE: -
Purchased from Kunsthandel Chidsanucha Ubber E.K, Leipzig, the fragment had previously been an unsold lot in Hartung and Hartung Auction 130, 7th. May 2012 (lot 30).
GENERAL COMMENTS: -
Whilst this is not a complete leaf, and it does appear that there may have been some re-touching the John’s maroon cloak, the miniature has to be one of the finest that I have ever seen for sale outside of the major auction house catalogues. There is so much character in the depiction, and what is left of the border decoration is so magnificent, that the whole fragment is quite stunning. So far I have been unable to ascertain the workshop that was responsible for producing it but it must have been made by an artist of great talent and part of a Book of Hours of wonderful quality. The search will continue.
ANY ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING THE ORIGIN OF THE ITEM WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.