What is probably the most valuable book for its size in the world has been discovered recently in Geneva. Certainly, it is the most under discussion at the moment. No art treasure of equal importance has come to light for many years, and this little book is already the object of lively interest among continental bibliophils and art-lovers.
The history of the discovery is brief. Some weeks ago, the eminent Florentine publisher and collector of MSS., Mr. Leo Olscbki, purchased an illuminated INS. of the early sixteenth century from a bookseller in Nuremberg. The INS. was sent to Geneva, where Mr. Olschki has a fine collection of MSS., old printed books, and so forth, and it was there shown to Monsieur Delarue, curator of the Art Department of the Museum. While examining the illuminated miniatures contained in the INS., Monsieur Delarue noticed on one the signature " A.D.," in the form of the unmistakable' monogram of Albert Durer, the great painter of Nuremberg. Already the INS. had been remarked for its excellence. Alter a careful inspection, lasting over a week, eleven miniatures in fil were seen to be signed in the same way, and minute examination by the most competent authorities verified the supposition that here was an original and unknown work of the famous artist.
Apart from the consummate skill and great beauty of execution bestowed upon it, the importance of the discovery lies in the fact that until now Albert Durer was not known to have included miniature illumination among the many branches of art in which he excelled. The master-hand in the wood-cut, in line-engraving, and in oils, is now seen to have been a master-hand in illumination as well.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.