Our Values

A Matter of Beauty

For us, the beauty of a book surpasses even its rarity. It is the guiding principle in all our decisions. This beauty can manifest in many forms: the quality of the paper or parchment, the elegance of typefaces, the harmony of the layout, and, most strikingly, through exquisite illustrations. An illustration by a great artist can be even enhanced by hand-coloring, illumination, rare proofs, or original drawings and watercolors. Equally important is the craftsmanship of the binding, which elevates the book into a Gesamtkunstwerk—a complete work of art. Generally, these epitomes of beauty are extremely rare or entirely unique.

The Story of a Book

Long before provenance became essential in the art world, tracing the history of a book’s ownership was second nature to us. Valuable books were often crafted for royalty or nobility and passed through the hands of renowned collectors. Over the past 45 years, we have owned more than 1,500 illuminated manuscripts, and our current stock still holds 200 extraordinary examples. We see it as our mission to rediscover the lost stories of these books. With access to over 50,000 sales catalogues and 30,000 reference works, we have the knowledge and resources to uncover the winding roads these books have traveled. In this way, some sensational finds come to light — like the long-lost Book of Hours of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife.

Heribert Tenschert’s contributions to the field have been recognized with the prestigious title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Republic, and an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the University of Freiburg im Breisgau.

Condition is Everything

The beauty of a book is not only in its creation but also in its preservation. Contrary to popular belief, an old book should not look old. When cared for by devoted collectors, even a 500-year-old book can appear as pristine as the day it was made. We hold our collections to the highest standards of preservation, ensuring that each book we offer has been treated with the respect and reverence it deserves.

No to Single Leaves and Cuttings

The practice of cutting miniatures and initials from illuminated manuscripts to sell or frame has long been an unpunished normality in the art world. We strongly condemn this act of destruction, which continued well into the 20th century, and we refuse to participate in the trade of these fragmented remnants. While some collectors may find the idea tempting, we urge them to avoid this market out of respect for the integrity of the artwork.

Guardian of Cultural Heritage

We see ourselves as stewards of cultural heritage. Each book we handle is not just a rare object, but a vital link to human history, art, religion, and science—essential carriers of cultural development in every aspect of life. One important way we manifest and preserve this heritage is through our publications—90 richly illustrated, scholarly catalogues that document the books and manuscripts that once were or are in our possession – and there is more to come. By passing these well-researched books into the hands of an appreciative collector, we ensure that their stories continue to be told. This responsibility to protect and share these artworks drives our commitment to authenticity, conservation, and ethical practice in every transaction.

Collecting as a Way of Life

Typically, an antiquarian bookseller aids in building other people's collections. For Heribert Tenschert, however, his passion for beautiful books and vast expertise led him to create his own collections in parallel, focusing on the most exquisitely illustrated, primarily French, works. This has resulted in ten unique collections, including the largest collection of printed Books of Hours of the 15th and 16th century ever assembled. Finalizing these collections is one of our current priorities, a testament to a lifelong dedication to the art of collecting.

Collecting Connects

Heribert Tenschert has always seen himself not just as a dealer, but as a collector at heart. Our passion for beautiful books drives everything we do and forges strong connections with our clients. Many of our relationships evolve from an initial consultation into long-lasting friendships. It is this shared love of books that keeps the spirit of bibliophilia alive, ensuring it’s passed down from generation to generation.