DEVOTIONAL MICROGRAPHIC CALLIGRAM ON VELLUM DEPICTING THE BENEDICTION OF ST FRANCIS

[PÜCHLER, Johann Michael (circle of)]:

Published by [Original manuscript]., 1700

About this Item

Watercolour, bodycolour and ink on vellum forming an image of angels and allegorical figures comprised entirely of miniscule Latin text, surrounding a central portrait of St Francis. Latin inscription to the lower right reading "S. Benedictio D. Francisci. / BENEDICAT TIBI DOMINUS / ET CUSTODIAT TE. OSTEN / DAT FACIEM SUAM TIBI ET/ MISEREATUR TUI CONVER / TAT UULTUM SUAM AD TE / ET DET TIBI PACEM / DOMINUS BENEDICAT / TE N. / Pagina Scriptura et Psalmos / habet unica PROREX / At nequeunt laudes claudere / nell tuas". Following this are three curiously overpained lines of text, this overpainting seemingly contemporaneous with the artwork. 55.2 x 31.5cm. There is a 2.5cm and further 2cm tear to the foot of the sheet (with old paper repairs verso), a 1cm tear to the right-margin (with old paper repair verso), three very minor (worm?) holes to the right-margin, a little creasing and the odd minor nick to the extremities, and a few minor patches of old paper adhesion to the blank verso, otherwise the artwork is in very good condition, the colours fresh. A rare and impressive example of Latin micrography in the form of a devotional image of St Francis surrounded by an incredibly intricate calligram scene of angels and allegorical figures comprised entirely of minute manuscript religious text, most likely psalms. During the eighteenth century, Germany developed a distinctive and distinguished artistic tradition of micrographic calligraphy - the creation of exquisitely detailed images composed of masterfully-executed miniature text. This was initially pioneered by the painter and engraver Johann Michael Püchler (1679-1709) of Augsbur, who was highly regarded for his micrographic portraits, or calligrams, of dynastic rulers and historic figures such as Martin Luther, undertaking several commissions for European royalty. This tradition was also taken up by Aaron Wolf Herlingen (c.1700-1757), as well as, most notably, Matthias Buchinger (1674-1740), who, born without hands or legs, worked as a calligrapher, artist, performer and magician, becoming a famous figure throughout Europe, producing a number of micrographic portraits to display his extraordinary skills. The present example, attributable to Püchler's circle, is unusually large and elaborate in its composition and forms a particularly fine example of this extraordinary artform.

Seller Inventory # 1559

Bibliographic Details

• Title: DEVOTIONAL MICROGRAPHIC CALLIGRAM ON VELLUM DEPICTING THE BENEDICTION OF ST FRANCIS
• Publisher: [Original manuscript].
• Publication Date: 1700
• Condition: Very Good