Masters of the Gold Scrolls (active 1415-1455)
ST NICHOLAS, miniature from a Book of Hours [Bruges c. 1440]
St Nicholas is shown resuscitating the three boys who had been murdered, dismembered and salted down in a brine tub; blood still flows from the wounds in their heads.

The miniature originally illustrated a prayer to the saint in a Book of Hours. A second miniature from the same manuscript is offered as Lot 24; further miniatures from this Book of Hours were catalogued by Sotheby’s, 19 June 1979, lots 10 (the Last Judgement with a note on the frame giving a provenance from the Binkley Collection, Denver Art Museum) and 11 (St Anthony Abbot). Although the notional architectural setting opens onto a greensward below a formal diapered gold background, the style is that of the Masters of the Gold Scrolls, named from the decorative backgrounds frequently found in their work (see Lot 24); the rectangular shape for a miniature above text is less usual. Active in Bruges c.1415-1455, the Masters are distinguished by their effective style, with its appealing colours and clear outlined shapes. Their work was much in demand: it is found in books made not only for the Flemish market but also for export, particularly to England.

Provenance:
•Private collection, London.

112 x 96 mm. Vellum trimmed leaving a little of the border, large illuminated initial and rubric; the text on the verso written in a Gothic bookhand is largely concealed by backing paper.

Please note this lot is the property of a private consignor.

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.