Sale of Manuscripts, Old Books and Prints: A Unique Collection Not to be Missed

Mise à jour 3 juin 2024 par Redak

THE June 20, 2024, an exceptional sale will be held at 174 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris, orchestrated by the auction house Mirabaud Mercier. This prestigious event will offer knowledgeable enthusiasts and collectors a remarkable selection of manuscripts, old books and prints. At the heart of this event, the Albertini Collection is distinguished by its unique set of illuminated armorial covers dating from the 13th to 15th centuries.

The Albertini Collection: A Medieval Treasure

An Unprecedented Ensemble

There Albertini Collection brings together 1749 pieces exceptional, protected by armorial illuminated covers. These precious artifacts come from the courts of Perugia, Umbria, covering a period from the 13th to 15th century. Each cover, often decorated with painted coats of arms, offers a fascinating insight into the political and judicial administration of the period.

Historical and Heraldic Significance

The documents in this collection are an invaluable source for researchers and enthusiasts of heraldry. The coats of arms of the podestats, captains, judges and trustees of Perugia, carefully preserved, bear witness to the evolution of heraldic practices over several centuries. Certain coats of arms, new and unique, enrich our understanding of medieval social and political dynamics.

Origin and History

The Albertini Collection has a rich and complex history. Initially kept in the Perugia archives, these documents were sold in 1853 under the papal government. Acquired by passionate collectors such as Josef Spithöver And Luis Eugenio Albertini, they have been carefully preserved until today.

Remarkable Pieces

• Lot 433 : An exceptional set of illuminated covers, estimated at nearly half a million euros.
• Lot 502 : Documents from the ancient archives of Perugia, essential for understanding the judicial and financial administration of the city.
• Lot 508 : Precious heraldic documents, offering a unique insight into the coats of arms of the podestas and captains of the people.

Ancient and Modern Books, Manuscripts and Autographs

Essential Works

The sale is not limited to the Albertini Collection. Among the lots offered, we find rare and precious works:

• Works by Clément Marot (1536-1537): An extremely rare collective edition, illustrated with wood engravings, estimated between 5000 and 8000 euros.
• Manuscript by Françoise Sagan : A draft of his novel “De guerre lasse”, with numerous variations, estimated between 3000 and 4000 euros.

Notable Prints

Old master prints will also be auctioned:

• Jacques Bellange : “Diane and Orion”, a remarkable etching before the name of the publisher, estimated between 2000 and 3000 euros.
• Henri from Toulouse-Lautrec : Color lithograph by Marcelle Lender, published by the German magazine Pan, estimated between 3000 and 4000 euros.

The Mirabaud Mercier Auction House

An Established Reputation

Founded in 2010, the auction house Mirabaud Mercier is located in the heart of the Parisian golden triangle. Directed by Fabien Mirabaud And Claudia Mercier, she is recognized for her prestigious sales and exceptional discoveries. In 2021, she notably sold a Van Gogh painting for 13.1 million euros in partnership with Sotheby’s, marking the Anglo-Saxon auction house’s highest bid in France that year.

Expertise and Commitment

Mirabaud Mercier stands out for its expertise and commitment to its clients, offering precise assessments and personalized advice. Fabien Mirabaud, vice-president of SYMEV, and Claudia Mercier, former head of international development at Tajan, bring valuable experience and an international network to the auction house.

Useful information

Dates and Location

• Date of sale : Thursday June 20, 2024
• Place : 174 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008 Paris

Exhibitions

• Private exhibitions : On appointment
• Public exhibitions : June 17, 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.