Neo-gothic Prayer Book, Entirely Handwritten And Illuminated – E. & A. Lesort – 19th Century

A remarkable small-format prayer book, entirely handwritten and illuminated in the style of medieval books of hours, produced in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, probably around 1880–1900.

The work, written in French, comprises 83 numbered pages devoted to the principal prayers of Catholic devotion: the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, the Creed, prayers to the Blessed Virgin and the saints, the wedding Mass, prayers for the dead, and other services.

Each page is meticulously calligraphied in Gothic script and lavishly decorated with illustrated initials, foliage, flowers, fruits, birds, mythical creatures, chimeras, and medieval-inspired motifs. The compositions, rich in color, are executed in gouache and watercolor, with numerous gold highlights.

Some pages feature full-page compositions, while others are organized into decorative panels combining floral motifs, gilded backgrounds, fleurs-de-lis, and neo-Gothic ornaments. The collection as a whole demonstrates particularly meticulous execution and a high level of mastery in ornamental design.

The first composition is signed at the bottom:

“A. de Corné”, although this reading has yet to be confirmed.

The artist or illuminator could not be identified with certainty. He may have been a specialized painter-calligrapher or a particularly accomplished amateur artist who worked on a private commission.

The volume is housed in a lavish full red morocco binding. The covers are adorned with an elaborate gilded decoration consisting of friezes, fillets, fleurons, and a scattering of fleurs-de-lis. The top cover features an oval cartouche surmounted by a crown in its center. The ribbed spine is ornate; the interior linings are made of olive-green morocco leather decorated with gilded metalwork, and the endpapers are of moiré silk.

The edges are entirely gilded and engraved with floral motifs. The volume is fitted with two cut-out metal clasps and polychrome silk bookmarks.

The book is presented in its original case, covered in brown leather with an interior padded with ivory satin. The satin bears the following printed mark in the center:

“E. & A. Lesort – Éditeurs Relieurs”.

The Paris-based firm E. & A. Lesort specialized in religious publications, luxury bindings, and wedding books intended for a wealthy clientele.

This volume is a beautiful example of the revival of the art of illumination in the 19th century and the historicist taste for medieval manuscripts. It is also notable for having retained its original binding, clasps, and case.

Very good overall condition.

Some slight foxing, soiling, and signs of wear on certain leaves. Slight waviness and variations in the color of the paper. Wear and signs of age on the case and its interior lining. The colors and gold highlights have remained particularly vibrant.

France, last quarter of the 19th century, circa 1880–1900.

Shipping: 18 euros within France, 35 euros within the EU, and 100 euros to the rest of the world.