[Children's & Illustrated] The Two Maidens of Merry England Who Did Most Foolish Make a Vow Which They Did Most Wisely Choose to Break They Take With Love a Part and Play on the Strings of a Tender Heart

No place, (England, ca. 1860-84). Folio. Illuminated manuscript, richly illustrated in pen and ink on thick paper, heightened in gold, red, blue, and green. Each sheet measuring 13 5/8 x 9 1/2 in. (346 x 241 mm) and mounted to thick card. Bound in presentation binding of full red morocco, decorated and ruled in blind and in gilt, recased with original front and rear morocco laid down, soiled and scratched; all edges gilt; endpapers renewed; contemporary gift inscription on front blank: "To Edith Santley As a token of love and esteem from her affectionate Uncle Henry Charles Kemble"; scattered spotting to mounts; wear along mount extremities.

A unique and exquisite illuminated manuscript, being a fairy tale about two maidens who vow in the name of friendship to rebuff potential suitors, but are struck by cupid's arrow and fall in love with two warriors. Each leaf is richly illustrated with elaborate pen and ink vignette and ornamental borders depicting animals, warriors, hunters, cherubs, goblins, and other grotesque creatures, surrounding a central vignette of fine script, and below a circular vignette illustrating the two maidens and their story.

Gifted to Edith Santley (1860-1926), a concert singer and daughter of opera singers, Charles Santely (1834-1922) and Gertrude Kemble (1837-82). Charles was the most eminent baritone singer of the Victorian period, whose career was considered, "the longest, most distinguished and most versatile vocal career which history records" (Eaglefield-Hull, A Dictionary of Modern Music and Musicians, p. 435). Edith made her stage debut at Liverpool's Royal Amphitheatre at age 16, in January 1876. She had a successful career as a concert singer, often alongside her father, until 1884, when she married cricketer Robert Lyttelton (1854-1939).

Gifted by Edith's maternal uncle, Henry Charles Kemble (b. 1839).

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance

From the collection of Justin G. Schiller

[Children's & Illustrated] The Two Maidens of Merry England Who Did Most Foolish Make a Vow Which They Did Most Wisely Choose to Break They Take With Love a Part and Play on the Strings of a Tender Heart