ID 869486
Lot 80 | Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE)
Estimate value
£ 3 000 – 5 000
Two consecutive fragmentary bifolia from his Nicomachean Ethics, in the Latin translation of Robert Grosseteste (d. 1253), manuscript on vellum [England (Oxford?), third(?) quarter 13th century].
An early fragment, concerning friendship, of one of the foundational texts of Western philosophy.
Each c. 270 × 400mm. 29 lines in formal gothic script, the innermost two bifolia of a quire, the leaves numbered in sequence in modern pencil 1–4, with continuous text from Book 8, Lectiones 4–11, On Friendship (‘erunt amici propter delectationem […] Insuper excessus amicitie hee propter’), and with extensive notes/summaries in the lower margin of most pages in a more cursive hand (recovered from use as pastedowns in a tanned leather binding, consequently with significant darkening, stains, and wear)
Provenance:
(1) The academic nature of the text suggests that these leaves were written for study in the university environment of Oxford, where the translator had taught before becoming Bishop of Lincoln in 1235.
(2) Unidentified French owner: inscribed ‘Fin 1300’.
(3) Colker MS 30, acquired in 1963 from Maggs.
Aristotle (d. 322 BCE) is thought to have addressed this work to either his father, or more likely his young son, both called Nicomachus. It is divided into ten books, which consider how best to live, concerning moral and intellectual virtue (including generosity, gentleness, and honesty), friendship, and happiness. The present leaves are from Book 7, concerning friendship. Robert Grosseteste (d. 1253) was one of the great intellects of the Middle Ages. Late in life, after teaching at Oxford University and while Bishop of Lincoln, he learned Greek and translated a number of Aristotle’s works into Latin, including the Ethics; this translation, and revisions of it, were the primary versions for the next few centuries, and thus one of the foundation-stones of medieval (and later) philosophy.
Artist: | Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) |
---|
Artist: | Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) |
---|
Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
---|---|---|
Preview |
| |
Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
Buyer Premium | see on Website | |
Conditions of purchase | Conditions of purchase |
More from Creator
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
First of all, you should register to be able to purchase at auction. After confirming your email address, enter your personal information in your user profile, such as your first name, last name, and mail address. Choose a lot from the upcoming auction and the maximum amount you want to place on it. After confirmation of your choice, we will send your application by e-mail to the appropriate auction house. If the auction house accepts a request, it will participate in the auction. You can view the current status of a bid at any time in your personal account in the "Bids" section.
Auctions are performed by auction houses and each of the auction houses describes their terms of auction. You can see the texts in the section "Auction information".
The results of the auction are published within a few days after the end of the auction. In the top menu of the site, find the tab "Auctions". Click on it and you will be on the auction catalog page, where you can easily find the category "Results". After opening it, select the desired auction from the list, enter and view the current status of the interested lot.
The information about the auction winners is confidential. The auction winner will receive a direct notification from the auction house responsible with instructions for further action: an invoice for payment and the manner in which the goods will be received.
Each of the auction houses has its own payment policy for the won lots. All auction houses accept bank transfers, most of them accept credit card payments. In the near future you will find detailed information for each case in the section "Auction information" on the page of the auction catalog and the lot.
Shipment of the won lot depends on its size. Small items can be delivered by post. Larger lots are sent by courier. Employees of the auction houses will offer you a wide range to choose from.
No. The archive serves as a reference for the study of auction prices, photographs and descriptions of works of art.