Initial 'D' from an Antiphonary from Como Cathedral with A Temple

Likely connected with a religious institution (possibly an Augustinian convent) in Cremona, Lombard, Italy [the inscription on the verso identifying this as “from the Cathedral of Como” is likely incorrect, as other cuttings that are stylistically attributable to Cremona carry similar inscriptions]. Unknown date, possibly acquired by William Young Ottley (1771-1836) and in his possession upon his death in 1836 [not confirmed; per the inscription “from the Cathedral Como” on the verso and similar inscriptions on other manuscript fragments that came out of this collection]. 11-12 May 1838, possibly sold following Ottley’s death at the sale of his property at Mr. S. Leigh Sotheby (London, England) auction “Catalogue of the Very Beautiful Collection of Highly Finished and Illumined Miniature Paintings, the Property of the late William Young Ottley, Esq.” (either lot 74 or lot 149) [not confirmed]. Unknown date, likely acquired by Samuel Rogers (1763-1855) and in his possession upon his death in 1855 [not confirmed; per inscription “Rogers collection” on the verso]; 28 April 1856, likely sold following Rogers’s death at the sale of his property at Messers. Christie and Manson (London, England) auction, “Catalogue of the Very Celebrated Collection of Works of Art, the Property of Samuel Rogers, Esq., Deceased…” (lot 989) [not confirmed]; 1856, likely acquired by Thomas Miller Whitehead (1821-1897) of London [per the inscription “TMW. 1856” on verso, Lugt #2449]. Unknown date, acquired by M. Hugo Oelze (Amsterdam, Netherlands) and in his possession upon his death in 1967; 24 April 1968, sold following his death at Paul Brandt (Amsterdam, Netherlands) auction “Highly Important Objects of Art forming the late Dr. M. Hugo Oelze Collection” (lot 118). 1972, given by Carol L. Brewster to the Elvehjem Art Center [now known as the Chazen Museum of Art] of Madison, WI. [Last researched by Chazen staff 11 March 2022]

• Peter Kidd. "A Curious Cutting at the Chazen" Medieval Manuscripts Provenance blog post. Jan. 14, 2018. https://mssprovenance.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-curious-cutting-at-chazen.html#more

• Hidden Treasures: Illuminated Manuscripts from Midwestern Collections: Chazen Museum of Art, 12/18/2010–2/27/2011
• Word and Image: The Art of Illuminated Manuscripts and Early Printing: Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2/2/1990–9/6/1990

• Europe
• Miniature Paintings & Manuscripts

The Chazen Museum of Art welcomes comments or inquiries about works in our collection. Please allow two–three weeks for a response. Chazen staff is not able to provide valuations or authentications and such inquiries cannot be answered.