Two cuttings from the border of an illuminated Flemish manuscript [southern Netherlands (Ghent or Bruges), c.1500-10]

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Vellum

two cuttings: (i) 185mm. by 70mm. and (ii) 143mm. by 55mm., both with realistic sprigs of wild strawberries, a pansy, a red carnation, other foliage and a white caterpillar, placed in trompe l’oeil style on a yellow ground flecked with powdered gold, both with traces of a brown painted frame on two sides, ends of two red lines at edge of second cutting perhaps remains of stave (20 mm. apart), some small scuffs and folds, else excellent condition, gilt frames with “282814/4” and “Q4784” in chalk and pencil on reverse (in situ since before our 1979 sale, and thus most probably framed for Profumo, see below)

Provenance

provenance

(1) These two cuttings, with their realistic studies of flowers strewn over a warm yellow ground are remarkably close to the borders of books produced in Ghent and Bruges c.1500 for prestigious noblemen and women (cf. the Prayer Book of Margaret of Austria: ÖNB., Cod. 1862, illustrated Smeyers, Flemish Miniatures, 1999, p.418; the Hours of William Lord Hastings: British Library, Additional MS.54782, ibid. p.425, fig.9; and the Hours of Margaret of Austria: British Library, Additional MS.35313, ibid. p.441, fig.29). The size of these cuttings, however, suggests that their parent manuscript was a large-scale liturgical volume.

(2) John D. Profumo, fifth Baron Profumo (1915-2006), Secretary of State for War from 1960, whose political career was cut short by the notorious scandal of 1963, which fatally damaged the reputation of Harold Macmillan’s government. Sold on his behalf in our rooms, 19 June 1979, lot 7, for £400, to the present owner.