French, Limoges, circa 1200-1220

Galerie Bresset, Paris, 1969 

Overall the condition of the book cover is good. There is wear and some minor dirt consistent with age. The gilding is worn throughout and the figure of Christ is slightly rubbed. There are minor losses to the enamel around the edges of the plaque. There is a black patina to the reverse.
"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."

Limoges enamel bookcovers were fashioned to protect bound biblical texts while equaling in splendour the illuminations of the sacred words contained within. Bookcovers were produced in Limoges from the workshops' inception in the 12th century. The earliest known mention of a Limoges champlevé enamel is, in fact, a reference to a book cover in a letter of 1169 from a priest at Saint-Satur in England to the prior at the Abbey of St. Victor in Paris, in which the priest mentions a Limoges binding they viewed together (Abbé Arbellott).

The subject matter of Limoges bookcovers is limited to two themes: the Crucifixion and Christ in Majesty. From surviving bindings it is known that the Crucifixion is most often featured on the front cover, with the Christ in Majesty on the reverse. For an example, see the pendants now divided between the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (inv. no. 651-1898) and the Staatliche Museen in Berlin (acq. no 1917.85).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. M. Gauthier, Emaux limousins champlevés des XIIe, XIIIe et XIVe siècles, Paris, 1950