Renaissance book collection may fetch $25M at auction.
Rare 16th Century Works to be Auctioned for Millions
Prepare to be transported back in time with a remarkable collection of over 1,300 16th century French and Italian works. These treasures, carefully curated by American bibliophile T. Kimball Brooker, are set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s auction house. With estimates reaching a staggering $25 million, this is an event that book lovers and history enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
A Glimpse into the Renaissance
Individually auctioned, each piece from this extraordinary collection is expected to fetch anywhere between $200 and $600,000. Among the highlights is an early version of Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned “A Treatise on Painting,” which could command a price tag of $120,000 to $180,000.
What makes these works truly special is that they have managed to retain their original bindings. This means that scholars and collectors alike have a rare opportunity to delve into the past and gain insights into how these books were viewed, used, and cherished. As Charlotte Miller, a text and manuscripts specialist at Sotheby’s, explains, these books are not mere objects but gateways to a bygone era.
“They are there to be used, they are there to be read,” Miller emphasizes. The chance to explore the minds of those who read these works centuries ago is an invaluable experience.
A Passionate Collector’s Journey
T. Kimball Brooker’s love affair with these literary treasures began in 1959 when he stumbled upon a 16th century Cicero book of orations during his travels in Paris. Purchased for a mere $10, this chance encounter ignited a lifelong passion for collecting rare books.
David Goldthorpe, Sotheby’s regional head of books and manuscripts, describes Brooker’s collection as both focused and expansive. It’s the kind of assemblage one would expect to find in the halls of an ancient European palace.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history come alive. Join us at Sotheby’s auction and immerse yourself in the captivating world of 16th century literature.
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