Lot 667: SANGORSKI, Alberto, calligrapher and illuminator (1862-1932). -- BROWNING, Elizabeth Barrett

SANGORSKI, Alberto, calligrapher and illuminator (1862-1932). -- BROWNING, Elizabeth Barrett (1806-1861). "Selected Poems." London, 1916.

8 o (215 x 152 mm). ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM, 20 leaves plus 2 blank fly-leaves each at front and back, on linen guards, written in a fine upright semi-gothic hand in black, the first leaf with an oval portrait of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, title within a full ornamental border, first two text leaves with large illuminated initials with extensions, numerous finely illuminated initials, many with extensions, larger at the beginning of Odes and The Prayer, the later incorporating a portrait of a woman, full-page portrait of a woman at end; the decoration in blue, various shades of purple, green, brown and violet, all in stylized floral and foliate design and lavishly heightened with gold.

A SUBERB BINDING, blue levant morocco, by Riviere & Son, richly gilt with floral borders on each cover incorporating red inlaid flowers and green leaves, each cover with a sunken arabesque panel at center, IN FINELY MOLDED RELIEF OF COLORED AND PAINTED LEATHER, the front with design of trumpet lilies in high relief tinted in red, blue, green on a gold ground, a butterfly and two bees with wings designed in mother of pearl, back cover panel with a design of roses in high relief tinted in red and green on a gold ground, two bees with wings designed in mother of pearl, spine in six compartments with five raised bands, pigskin doublures richly decorated with strapwork executed in blue, crimson and brown morocco, silk guards between some leaves, blue watered silk linings (silk linings a bit frayed along fore-margin, otherwise in fine condition); plush and silk-lined morocco folding case. Provenance: John G. Kidd, Cincinatti, bookseller's ticket on rear flyleaf; purchased from Kidd, 13 December 1945.

The colophon statement reads: "This manuscript Selected Poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning 'A Lament for Adonis' 'The Dead Pan' 'The Prayer' was designed, written out, and illuminated by Alberto Sangorski for Messrs. R. Riviere & Son Bookbinders and Booksellers by appointment to his Majesty King George V. London. The Miniature of the Poetess was taken from a pencil drawing, drawn in Rome in 1859 by Field Talfourd. This manuscript will not be duplicated. This manuscript was executed by me, Alberto Sangorski." A VERY FINE BINDING.