Paris (AFP)
Two exceptional books of hours from the 15th century were auctioned off at high prices on Friday during an auction organized at the Drouot hotel by the house of Binoche and Giquello, showing the loyalty of collectors of old books after months of confinement. .
The first of these religious books for lay Catholics, "Book of Hours G and H" by the Master of Spencer, estimated from 600,000 to 800,000 euros, was acquired by a buyer on the phone for 768,600 euros (fees included). is the spectacular witness of the berrichon art of the 15th century, announcing the French Renaissance.
This extraordinary book, written in Latin and French on parchment, most certainly in Bourges around 1500/10, has a total of 36 large miniatures. Spencer's master was fond of exoticism with scenes of boats and caravels, as well as scenes of venison, falcon or hawk hunting.
The other book of hours, "The Hours of Pierre Soppite and Marie Deschevert" is a manuscript in Latin, on parchment, with 13 large miniatures painted around 1400 by the Master of Luçon (starting estimate 250,000 / 350,000). It reached more than twice its high range at 706,300 euros. It is contemporary with the golden age of French illumination at the time of Duke Jean de Berry.
Among the miniatures, one stands out: an Annunciation, painted in semi-grisaille tones. A series of funny things animates the margins. Children, naked and wearing a hat, attack with spears an original bestiary: unicorn, bear, lion, salamander, dragon and bird.
These two books are part of the important library built by Robert Beauvillain at the beginning of the 20th century. From 1400 to 1930, this library of more than 300 books, extremely eclectic, was aimed as much at collectors of books of hours from the beginning of the Renaissance as at those who are fond of the beautiful bindings of the 20th century.
The Binoche and Giquello sale totaled 2,180,806 euros including fees, with 95% of the lots sold.
© 2020 AFP