Vellum Copy from 10 January 1503 with Marvellous Illumination Covering every Page: Collection of the Counts of Schönborn-Buchheim

Horae 36 in our Catalogue 50: Horae B. M. V. for the use of Rome. Paris, Thielmann Kerver for Gillet Remacle, dated 10.1.1503. Illuminated copy on vellum.

An exceptionally luxurious copy with the richest illumination and generous use of gold and silver. Apparently the book has always been in the possession of bibliophiles since it was illuminated, and probably even in the collection of the Schönborn-Buchheim family since its first acquisition. It is therefore understandable that the item has survived the centuries as an intact and almost untouched, magnificent work of art. This is all the more pleasing as we have learnt from several other examples that outstanding illumination such as we encounter here is rarely safe from vandalism and theft. This book is a rare stroke of luck for art historical research, as it provides a great example for comparing German book illumination of the mid-16th century with Parisian book illumination from around the same time.

This book is part of the largest collection of printed Books of Hours in the world, which is offered for sale en bloc.

The collection has been extensively documented in Catalogues No. 50 & 75 (nine volumes), available in our online shop.

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