![CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST, historiated initial 'Q' cut from an illuminated choirbook on vellum [Poland, perhaps Wroclaw, c.1430]](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_16018_0017_000(circumcision_of_christ_historiated_initial_q_cut_from_an_illuminated_c094039).jpg?w=1)
Details
CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST, historiated initial 'Q' cut from an illuminated choirbook on vellum [Poland, perhaps Wroclaw, c.1430]
A charming illumination from the workshop of the Prague Hexameron, artists who fled Prague for Wroclaw in the wake of the Hussite Wars.
112 x 114mm, miniature: 96 x 90mm, mounted on paper (the initial cut out somewhat unevenly at the right-hand corners). Gilt frame (245 x 250mm).
In reconstructing the output of the workshop of the Prague Hexameron – so named for a 1420 Liber Exameron beati Ambrosii preserved in the cathedral and chapter library of St Vitus in Prague (A 131) – the most important sister group to the present cutting is a set of seven initials cut from an Antiphonal held in Münster (Westfälisches Landesmuseum EM 40.1-7): alongside a traditional Bohemian palette of chalky greens and pinks, the style is identifiable by the sharp-featured figures, clad in strongly-contoured drapery. The illuminators that fled Prague alongside members of the St Vitus Chapter, for Zittau and then Wroclaw, developed their own sub-style within the Hexameron group, defined by bulkier figures and further exaggeration of drapery folds.
A charming illumination from the workshop of the Prague Hexameron, artists who fled Prague for Wroclaw in the wake of the Hussite Wars.
112 x 114mm, miniature: 96 x 90mm, mounted on paper (the initial cut out somewhat unevenly at the right-hand corners). Gilt frame (245 x 250mm).
In reconstructing the output of the workshop of the Prague Hexameron – so named for a 1420 Liber Exameron beati Ambrosii preserved in the cathedral and chapter library of St Vitus in Prague (A 131) – the most important sister group to the present cutting is a set of seven initials cut from an Antiphonal held in Münster (Westfälisches Landesmuseum EM 40.1-7): alongside a traditional Bohemian palette of chalky greens and pinks, the style is identifiable by the sharp-featured figures, clad in strongly-contoured drapery. The illuminators that fled Prague alongside members of the St Vitus Chapter, for Zittau and then Wroclaw, developed their own sub-style within the Hexameron group, defined by bulkier figures and further exaggeration of drapery folds.
Special notice
These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.
Brought to you by
Robert Tyrwhitt