Description
This leaf and others from the collection were excised from the same prayer book. They reveal the charm of secular decoration such as satyrs or domestic activities like cooking. Such details would have been a sumptuous delight to the original owner. The original book was a highly personalized volume apparently written and illuminated in North Germany as suggested by internal textual references. The prominent inclusion of Saint Godehard (died 1038), Bishop of Hildesheim, in the calendar (not visible) would suggest that the manuscript was produced in that city.
Provenance
Arms of Mansfeld (16th century), Prussia, between Magdeburg and Merseburg; Compte d'Aspremont-Lynden (19th century); [Sotheby's, London, 23 June 1987, lot 99]; [Jörn Günther, Hamburg]; [Bruce Ferrini, Akron]
Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Ornamental Border with Carnations, a Thistle, and a Cook Ladling Soup (verso)
c. 1524
Accession Number
1999.136.b
Medium
ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum
Dimensions
Each leaf: 16.6 x 13.5 cm (6 9/16 x 5 5/16 in.)
Classification
Manuscript
Credit Line
The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection