A medieval manuscript containing early versions of the King Arthur, Merlin, and Holy Grail legends, which has remained in private hands for over 700 years, is set to be auctioned by Christie's with an estimated price of £1.5m to £2m.
Unique and Richly Illustrated
Dating from around 1290 to 1310, the manuscript features 126 miniature illustrations, including a rare depiction of Merlin transformed into a stag. It is one of only three such manuscripts known to be in private collections, and the earliest and most profusely illustrated among them.
The illustrations are executed on vellum with burnished gold leaf, making them exceptionally vibrant. Dr Eugenio Donadoni, director of medieval and renaissance manuscripts at Christie's, noted that the text is unique and the manuscript is the earliest copy of the Lancelot-Grail cycle ever to appear at auction.
Provenance and Artistic Significance
The manuscript was produced by the Master of the Liège Apocalypse, an anonymous illuminator known for his distinctive style featuring square-jawed male faces and red dots on cheeks. Its previous owners include a 15th-century knight, a jouster, and the bibliophile Sir Thomas Phillipps, as well as French industrialist Jean Lebaudy.
Dr Irene Fabry-Tehranchi of Cambridge University Library expressed excitement that the manuscript could enter public ownership. She highlighted that scholars have been unable to study it fully due to its private status, which has hindered research.
A Rewritten Ending
Fabry-Tehranchi noted that the manuscript contains a reworked version of the classic story, focusing more on King Arthur's battles and kingship rather than knightly adventures. This reflects the scribe's own interpretation, a common medieval practice.
The auction will take place on 8 July, offering institutions a rare chance to acquire this piece of world heritage. However, Fabry-Tehranchi expressed concern that libraries and heritage institutions may lack the funds to compete with private collectors.
