The second highlight on display is an exceptionally rare Rosarium, a small personal prayerbook, containing 11 opulent illuminations depicting scenes from Christ’s life. Created by the prolific Simon Bening, one of the most renowned Flemish artists of the early 16th century, the illuminated scenes were meant to accompany specific prayers for the joyful, the sorrowful, and the glorious Rosary.
The full-page illuminations are placed on the left side with the opposing pages adorned with full text borders featuring lifelike birds, flowers, and insects in the traditional Flemish style. While the illuminations and decorations are complete and masterfully executed, the text of the prayers was never added, making this manuscript exceedingly rare and intriguing. On offer for £2.56m.
Finally, a copy of the Tacuinim Sanitatis, a medical handbook often gifted to loved ones, as it provided instructions on what to eat and drink to live a healthy life. In doing so, the Tacuinum Sanitatis offered a convenient excuse to depict scenes from everyday life, resulting in a richly illuminated manuscript.
This copy features 130 full-page miniatures portraying men and women of different classes performing everyday tasks, working and enjoying themselves alongside depictions of identifiable plants, wild animals, and beloved pets. By illustrating such a wide array of scenes, this handbook provides rare and intimate insights not only into the living quarters of the wealthy but into medieval kitchens, gardens, and fields. On offer for £5.7m.
