The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Rabbits Dancing (recto) and Putto Picking Strawberries (verso)

Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Rabbits Dancing (recto) and Putto Picking Strawberries (verso)

c. 1524
(?)
Ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum
Overall: 16.5 x 13.5 cm (6 1/2 x 5 5/16 in.)
James Parmelee Fund 2022.101
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

On the front side are three rabbits, one playing a Hirtenschalmei (shepherd's shawm). This instrument is mentioned in medieval literature and poetry as being played by rustic types.

Description

This leaf from a psalter and prayerbook is intricately decorated and was probably produced for use in a private noble family. The prominent mention of Saint Godehard (died 1038), Bishop of Hildesheim, in the original manuscript suggests that it was produced for use in the diocese of Hildesheim (Norther Germany).
  • 1500s
    Mansfeld Family, Prussia, between Magdeburg and Merseburg, Germany
    Mid 1500s
    Adrienne Louvignies Family
    1800s
    Compte d'Aspremont-Lynden
    -1892
    Brothers Michael Linel (1830-1892) and Albert Linel (1833-1916) of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    1892-1953
    City of Frankfurt, Germany, for the Kunstgewerbemuseum, deaccessioned parent manuscript
    23 June 1987
    [Sale: Sotheby's, London, 23 June 1987, lot 99]
    -1997
    Jörn Günther and Bruce Ferrini, London, England
    -2020
    Roger Martin (1939-2020) of Grimsby, England
    -2022
    Dreweatts, London, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2022-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Schilling, Rosy, and Georg Swarzenski. Die illuminierten Handschriften und Einzelminiaturen des Mittelalters und der Renaissance in Frankfurter Besitz. Frankfurt a.M.: J. Baer, 1929. no.151 pp.181–83
    Sotheby's (Firm). Western Manuscripts and Miniatures. 1987. Lot 99
    Jörn Günther Antiquariat (Firm), and Jörn-Uwe Günther. Recent Acquisitions: Medieval & Renaissance Illuminated Manuscripts. Hamburg: Jörn Günther Antiquariat, 1997.
    Bloomsbury Auctions (Firm). Western Manuscripts and Miniatures: Wednesday July 6, 2022 (2022). Lot 114
  • {{cite web|title=Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Rabbits Dancing (recto) and Putto Picking Strawberries (verso)|url=false|author=|year=c. 1524|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2022.101