Sculpture in Europe from the 5th to the 15th centuries

Xavier Barral. La Sculpture: Le Grand Art du Moyen Âge du Ve au XVe siècle, Skira, 1969.

"La Sculpture: Le Grand Art du Moyen Âge du Ve au XVe siècle" focuses on the evolution and significance of sculpture during the Middle Ages, spanning from the 5th to the 15th century. This book offers a comprehensive study of medieval European sculpture, examining the artistic, religious, and cultural contexts that shaped this grand form of art during the medieval period.

The book traces the development of medieval sculpture, highlighting its role as a central art form in Gothic and Romanesque architecture, as well as its function in religious and public life. It explores how sculpture evolved across Europe during the Middle Ages, emphasizing the changes in style, technique, and iconography that occurred over a millennium. The text is richly supported by photographs and illustrations of significant sculptures from cathedrals, churches, and public spaces. This book defines sculpture as both stonework or woodwork so an excellent resource regardless of your medium. 

This is a large, lavishly illustrated book is in excellent condition. The plastic covering the dust cover has some small tears on the top & bottom edges. We pasted a book plate on the first sheet, but it is otherwise in fine condition. This book is in French. The dimensions are approximately 25 x 4 x 34 cm 9782605001446.

I'm asking $30.

Great Altarpieces

Limentani Virdis, Caterina, and Mari Pietrogiovanna. Great Altarpieces: Gothic and Renaissance. NY: The Vendome Press, 1999. 

This is a visual masterpiece, showcasing over 400 full-color illustrations that bring the grandeur and craftsmanship of Gothic and Renaissance polyptychs to life. These multi-paneled altarpieces, created by some of the most skilled artists of the time, were monumental works of art designed to inspire devotion and awe. The book captures the intricate details of the paintings, carvings, and gilding that adorned these sacred objects, highlighting the skill and creativity that went into their creation. From the vibrant colors to the delicate brushwork and sculptural elements, each piece is meticulously documented with many full-page, full-bleed images that allow readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of the craftsmanship.

In addition to offering stunning visuals, the book provides context on the role these altarpieces played within religious settings, but its true focus is on celebrating the artistic achievement behind them. The lavish photographs allow art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the grandeur of these works, which have often been altered or lost over time. Great Altarpieces is ideal for anyone passionate about art and design, offering a rare opportunity to explore the finest examples of Gothic and Renaissance craftsmanship in one beautifully curated volume.

This is a oversize, heavy green cloth-wrapped hardback book with gilt title on the spine. It comes with a dust jacket in good condition, but has a barely noticeable crease on the front.  This is an amazing book with more than 400 illustrations in full color. There are several amazing flip out huge photographs of the actual altarpieces (one shown below). The size is approximately 11½"wide x 13¼"tall x 1¾"thick. (Did I mention that it's heavy?) ISBN 9780865652248.

I am asking $150.

Gothic Manuscripts

I've actually got two different sets of books in this category, one for Early Gothic and one for Later Gothic. Since I assume most people who are interested in Gothic Manuscripts would be interested in all of them, I'm listing them together. They don't have to be sold together, however.

Morgan, Nigel J. A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles: Early Gothic Manuscripts, 1250-1285 (Vol. 2). Harvey Miller Publishers, 1988.

This book is a vital academic resource that provides a comprehensive overview of illuminated manuscripts created during the early Gothic period in England. This volume is part of a series that meticulously documents the illuminated manuscripts from the British Isles. Volume 2 focuses on manuscripts created between 1250 and 1285, exploring 188 examples of Gothic manuscripts housed in various collections. The volume features 462 illustrations, including eight color plates, which allow readers to appreciate the details of these artistic works. Morgan provides a scholarly examination of the manuscripts' themes, stylistic elements, and iconography, as well as an analysis of the cultural and religious influences that shaped manuscript production during this period.

The text offers a deep dive into the artistic techniques and materials used by illuminators and scribes of the time, making it an essential reference for art historians, medievalists, and those studying Gothic art and manuscript illumination. The book is not only a catalog but also a critical analysis of how these illuminated manuscripts reflect the religious, social, and political contexts of 13th-century England. This volume is an invaluable tool for researchers seeking to understand the evolution of Gothic art in the British Isles and its broader European connections.

My copy is in very good condition, with light shelf-wear. Includes the dust jacket also in good condition. No prior ownership markings and I could find no marks or highlighting inside. 374 pages with 462 illustrations including 8 in color. It's an oversize book, 9¼"wide x 13¼"tall x 1¼"thick. ISBN: 9780905203539 / 0905203534.

I'm asking $80.

Scott, Kathleen L. A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles: Later Gothic Manuscripts, 1390-1490. 2 vols, Harvey Miller Publishers, 1996.

This is the sixth and final volume in the series A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles. Published in two volumes, this work offers a comprehensive survey of 15th-century illuminated manuscripts produced in England. Scott presents over 140 manuscripts, many of which had never been extensively studied before, covering a wide range of genres, from liturgical books like the Carmelite Missal and Bedford Hours to manuscripts of medical, botanical, and historical importance. These works provide a deep insight into both the artistic practices and social contexts of the time.

Volume 1 contains the text and illustrations, featuring detailed commentary on the development of manuscript production during this period, including the transition from monastic to commercial workshops in London. Volume 2 is the catalog, providing a meticulously detailed index of the manuscripts and a bibliography for further study. The combination of scholarly analysis and rich visual content makes this set essential for historians, art historians, and scholars of medieval literature

I struggled a bit to find a fair price for this set as most of the cheap ones for sale were for only one of the volumes, I have both. My set is in very good condition, with light shelf-wear. Includes the dust jackets also in very good condition. No prior ownership markings and I could find no marks or highlighting inside. Volume 1 has 296 pages, 560 illustrations with 17 in color. Volume 2 has 400 pages. They are over size books, 9¼"wide x 13¼"tall x 3"thick (both books together). ISBN: 9780905203041 / 0905203046.

I'm asking $80.

If someone buys both sets, I'll sell them $150 (not including credit card fees, if applicable).

Hours of Mary of Burgundy

Inglis, Eric. The Hours of Mary of Burgundy: Codex Vindobonensis 1857, Vienna, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. Harvey Miller Publishers, 1995.

The Hours of Mary of Burgundy is a facsimile reproduction of the Codex Vindobonensis 1857, housed in the Austrian National Library, one of the most celebrated illuminated manuscripts from the late Middle Ages. This beautiful Book of Hours, written by the renowned scribe Nicolas Spierinc, a favorite of the Burgundian Court, stands out not only for its spiritual content but also for its breathtaking artistry. The manuscript features the work of the Master of Mary of Burgundy, the most famous Flemish illuminator of the 15th century, whose intricate miniatures fill the pages with deep emotion and striking visual effects. The illuminators were tasked with stirring the soul and dazzling the viewer, and in this manuscript, they succeed like never before.

The facsimile reproduces all 380 pages of the original manuscript in full color, providing a complete visual experience of the rich Gothic miniatures that combine architectural elements and detailed landscapes. The commentary volume by Eric Inglis offers invaluable insight into the manuscript’s creation, analyzing its artistic techniques and historical significance. With references to Mary of Burgundy’s position in the Burgundian court, this set not only preserves an extraordinary piece of medieval art but also provides a scholarly lens through which to appreciate its deeper cultural and religious context.

This is a like new copy with mylar-wrapped dust jacket. There are no marks or highlights inside the book.

It's a fairly small book, measuring 6"wide x 8"tall by 1¾"thick, but is quite heavy for its size. This is a beautiful book.  ISBN: 9781872501871 / 1872501877. I'm asking $175.