AUCTION: A GOLDEN MIRROR TO A COLLECTION UNIQUE IN THE HISTORY OF COLLECTING
The Cosby-Schøyen Codex, one of the earliest books in existence, the Nag Hammadi Binding, one of the earliest book bindings in existence, and the Codex Sinaiticus Rescriptus, one of the most important fragments of Christian Palestinian Aramaic, are to be auctioned in London in June. The ‘Manuscript Masterpieces from the Schøyen Collection’ consists of 62 lots that have been called the jewels in the crown of the Schøyen Collection – unique in the history of collecting for representing the breadth of human cultures over 5000 years. The auction and accompanying catalogue reflect the significance of Dr Martin Schøyen’s contribution to scholarship and manuscript preservation. As stated in the auction catalogue, there is little doubt that generations from now Dr Schøyen will be still be remembered among the pantheon of great bibliophiles who were his mentors and inspiration, amongst them Sir Thomas Phillipps, Martin Bodmer, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, Henry Yates Thompson and Peter Ludwig.
The Cosby-Schøyen Codex (above right) was sold for a record £2.5 million
After more than half a century of collecting and publication, Dr Schøyen said: “The manuscripts being auctioned have been made available for research and publication as part of the Schøyen Collection. It is my hope that their new owners will continue the open access tradition that I have instigated and ensure that scholars can access these historical treasures in the future.”
The majority of the manuscripts are part of the Bible collection, which was the first major focus of Dr Schøyen’s attention as a collector. But there are also important early humanist texts – including a rare Petrarch text – and Hebrew texts – Biblical as well as Judaic. Important historical documents include 15th century ordinances in Catalan, 15th century Middle English statutes, 14th and 15th century records from the Hundred Years War, and the Lindesiana Chronicles of Scotland, also known as the ‘Schøyen Chronicle’, a unique contemporary addition to the history of the first War of Scottish Independence.
In addition some items represent literary and artistic achievement – the lyric poetry of Catullus in an illuminated 15th century manuscript and the energetic illuminations in the 15th century volume in French of Jean de Courcy’s swashbuckling Chronique de la Bouquechardiere.
Other highlights of the sale include:
- The ‘Marie de Medici’ Hours
- The Venerable Bede commentary on the Gospel of St Mark
- The Geraardsbergen Bible
- The Holkham Hebrew Bible
The auction will take place at 2PM BST on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, at Christie’s in London. Full auction details.