Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books returns to The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht this year with a splendid selection of precious manuscripts and rare books. Their highlights this year the Pèlerinage de la Vie Humaine, the Histoire Ancienne, and the Liechtenstein Tacuinum Sanitatis. All three are outstanding, historically significant books that convey the breadth and beauty of medieval manuscript illumination.
This beautiful manuscript contains one of the great literary sensations of the Middle Ages: the prose version of the Pèlerinage de la Vie Humaine and its rare sequel, the Pèlerinage de l’Ame. Ingeniously intertwining religious ideals and entertainment, the two texts survive together in their specific versions only in one other manuscript. In a dream the author, Guillaume de Digulleville, sees the besieged city of Jerusalem and decides to undertake the perilous journey to the city of God himself. Five astonishing half-page illuminations and 91 beautiful miniatures tell the story of his treacherous travels full of temptation and peril to his immortal soul. The workshop, which recalls Parisian illumination, masterfully captures the depth of human emotion and the grotesque nature of the vices and sins trying to impede his journey. This long-lost manuscript was produced for the wedding of Guyonne de Beauvau and René de Laval in 1478. On offer for: CHF 1‘750‘000,-
Their second highlight is a magnificent chronicle lavishly decorated with 76 miniatures and two dazzling frontispieces, and was very likely created for King Charles V. Now in two volumes, the Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César recounts the history of the world from Genesis to the birth of Julius Cesar, while the Faits des Romains, describes famous battles of Antiquity. The chronicle at hand is densely illuminated with a plethora of riveting battle scenes and decisive moments of ancient history. Despite depicting Roman armies, the figures are rendered in beautiful courtly medieval dress and armour.
The illuminators, the Master of the Coronation of Charles VI and a collaborator, are known to have worked almost exclusively for the French King. Chronicles like this were popular among the highest echelons of society, and often read aloud to royalty and nobles during meals or other quiet moments to edify and entertain them and their courtiers. On offer for: CHF 5‘500‘000,-
Their third highlight, with 130 full-page illuminations, the Liechtenstein Tacuinum Sanitatis is one of the most extensively illuminated medical manuscripts ever produced. It is one of four beautifully decorated copies of this text, although our manuscript is the most elaborate of all surviving exemplars. The Tacuinum Sanitatis offers an all-encompassing guide to well-being, reflected in modern medicine with its holistic understanding of body, mind, and soul. The manuscript consists of 130 fascinating depictions of men and women from different spheres of society, showing them eating and drinking, preparing food, visiting stores, harvesting, talking by the fire, making music and having sex. These glimpses into everyday life are enriched by images of identifiable plants, depictions of the seasons, beloved pets, and animals being led to slaughter.
These fascinating images illustrate how to lead a healthy life by regulating eating and drinking, rest and exercise, as well as mental well-being. These exceedingly rare insights into everyday life in the 15th century make the Liechtenstein Tacuinum Sanitatis an extraordinary visual witness to this fascinating time and a unique manuscript that is unparalleled on the market. On offer for: CHF 6‘300‘000.00,-
TEFAF Maastricht, which takes place this year from March 9th to 14th, is one of the world’s premier fairs for fine art, antiques, and design. It features over 260 prestigious dealers from some 20 countries.
To learn more, please visit the Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books website.
Images courtesy of Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books
