Carnival in Nuremberg !

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Since 1449, on Shrove Tuesday, it was Carnival at Nuremberg, as Schembartlauf (the run of beautiful beards, Schön Bart Lauf). But in 1539, no more joking with impunity. The event was banned after a chariot in the procession has ridiculed the local Lutheran theologian, Osiander.

Probably the following year, appeared the Schembartbuch. It provides a strict chronology of these celebrations, including that of 1507 which turned to a riot. Masks and costumes are designed in full color page (31 x 21 cm), while the floats are represented in ink on the pages of text.

An important detail is exciting : despite its already late date, the book is manuscript. I guess that the supporters of the event wanted this book for preserving and resuming their traditions, but no printer took the risk of displeasing the powerful Osiander. They sent us a rare and valuable witness to the atmosphere of folk festivals in the late Renaissance.

Among several copies to be sold by Christie's in New York on June 12, the most complete is estimated $ 80K.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Good result at 160 K $ including expenses, for this valuable testimony of the celebrations of the Renaissance.

The next lot, also a Schembartbuch, was sold 130 K $ costs included on a low estimate of 25 K $.

Very good. Understanding the past is not limited to the actions of kings.