A rare medieval manuscript, featuring early narratives of King Arthur and Merlin, is set to be auctioned this summer. The manuscript, known as the Clermont-Tonnerre Grail, has been in private hands for approximately 700 years and is expected to fetch up to $2.7 million at Christie’s auction in July.

Historical Significance

Dating back to the 13th or 14th century, the manuscript is one of the earliest documents recounting the legend of King Arthur and the quest for the Holy Grail. Written between 1290 and 1310, it contains text in Old French from the Lancelot-Grail cycle and is adorned with gold leaf and 126 rich illustrations.

Eugenio Donadoni, director of medieval and renaissance manuscripts at Christie’s, described it as a “virtually unknown” manuscript that is likely to attract significant interest. He emphasized its importance as a rediscovered piece of one of the greatest medieval romances, highlighting its Christian and chivalric elements.

Provenance and Auction Details

The manuscript’s provenance includes a series of notable owners, such as a 15th-century knight, a jouster, an “obsessive medievalist,” and a 20th-century industrialist named Jean Lebaudy, who was recognized for his heroic deeds in both World Wars. The current seller remains unidentified but is part of a long-standing private collection.

Donadoni noted that the manuscript’s appeal lies in its historical, art-historical, textual, and cultural significance. The auction is expected to draw interest from both institutions and private collectors, given its rarity and the universal nature of its stories.

The auction will take place at Christie’s in London on July 8, offering a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of Western cultural heritage that has remained largely unexplored and unexhibited.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.