Umbrian or Tuscan illuminator - photo 1

Umbrian or Tuscan illuminator

Lot 32
10.12.2025 12:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1514396
Lot 32 | Umbrian or Tuscan illuminator
Estimate value
£ 7 000 – 10 000
Umbrian or Tuscan illuminator
Blessing Christ and David playing the harp attended by an angel, historiated initial 'A' cut from an illuminated choirbook on vellum [Italy, Umbria or Tuscany, final decade 13th century]
An engaging and animated miniature from a choirbook produced in Umbria or Tuscany at the end of the Duecento.

149 x 84mm. The historiated initial 'A' likely opening the introit for the first Sunday in Advent 'Ad te levavi animam meam' in a Gradual (a few losses of pigment and smudges, especially to the robes of King David and the angel, the face of the angel smudged and possibly retouched). Framed.

Illumination:
The style of illumination is redolent of the Umbrian and Tuscan schools of this period: the deep dark blue background with white filigree decoration, the general composition and the decorative vocabulary are reminiscent of the illumination in the series of choirbooks produced at the end of the 13th century for the Basilica of San Francesco at Assisi by the Master of the Assisi Choirbooks, although our artist is more provincial. The palette, on the other hand, with its bright oranges, is typical of Tuscan manuscripts of the late 13th century (see, for example, a Florentine St Ursula sold at Christie's, 19 October 2023, lot 195).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
10.12.2025 – 10.12.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
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