The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 28, 2023

Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Rabbits Dancing (recto)

c. 1524

Part of a set. See all set records

This object has related works. See Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Calendar Page with Labors (recto) and Calendar Page with Peasant (verso); Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Initial E with Ornamental Border Containing a Seated Satyr and a Bird Eating Grapes (recto); Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Ornamental Border with Pea Vines and a Girl Kneading Bread (recto) and Ornamental Boarder with Carnations, a Thistle, and a Cook Ladling Soup (verso) (1 of 3 Excised Leaves)

Germany, Hildesheim (?), 16th century

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.a

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

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).

Provenance
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
Citations
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
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2022.101.a