A Simply Stunning & Unique 'Good King Wenceslas' Art Nouveau Original Illuminated Calligrafic Manuscript Watercolour, From The Golden Age of illustration, By Arthur B Packham. In The Manner Of Alberto Sangorsky. Calligrapher and Illuminator for Riviere

This wonderful original illuminated manuscript would make a superb and most pertinent Chistmas Gift, or a singularly fine addition to any collection of rare works of art, especially dedicated to the golden age of illustration

Circa 1897. A.B.Packham's artistry, calligraphy and illumination is incredibly similar to renown calligraphic illuminated manuscript artists Alberto Sangorsky, and William Morris. Sanghorsky was the Calligrapher and Illuminator for Riviere & Son world reknown bookbinders. His works within bound volumes, that are including his original manuscripts, can achieve from £20,000 to over £150,000. Sangorski's profession was as a secretary to a goldsmith until he was 43 years of age, whereupon he began to create works for his brother at Riviere and Sons.

The first two lines and last two lines of the carol's first verse are part of the calligraphy on pure gold leaf.

The painting is in two sections, Good King Wenceslas observing from his window, {the second section} a poor man gathering winter fuel.

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen,

When a poor man came in sight,
Gathering winter fuel.

The words to the carol were written in 1853 by John Mason Neale but the melody is much older – it’s a 13th-century tune called ‘Tempus adest floridum’ in praise of the spring.

The carol was written for the Feast of St Stephen, better known as Boxing Day. And it celebrates the long tradition of charitable giving on the Second Day of Christmas.

It’s become one of the best loved carols ever written – and was even performed by The Beatles.

A. B. Packham was an architect by profession but illustrated several books based around country properties and walks around Sussex. Being a professional man, apparently, he had no interest in marketing his skillful works, so very few of his watercolurs are recorded. This example has to be one of his premier works.
Whether he followed the art of his famous contemporary, Alberto Sangorski, or followed his own path is not known, but his artistry is superb, and this wonderful piece may have been created for a book that we are currently unaware of.

The combination of "Art Nouveau" and "illuminated manuscript watercolours" describes a modern artistic approach that blends the decorative, organic style of Art Nouveau with the historical techniques of illuminated manuscripts, often using watercolor as the primary medium for modern creations. This fusion results in contemporary works that feature Art Nouveau's characteristic flowing lines, nature-inspired motifs (like tendrils and organic forms), and intricate details, but are created on a modern medium and often utilize watercolor techniques for coloring and shading. It is distinct from the original medieval practice of illuminated manuscripts, which used pigments like tempera and gouache, not watercolors

Key characteristics
Art Nouveau's influence: Incorporates the style's hallmarks, such as sinuous, organic lines, natural forms, and complex decorative patterns.
Illuminated manuscript tradition: Draws inspiration from historical manuscripts, often focusing on decorative initial letters and intricate borders.
Watercolor medium: Uses watercolor for coloring, shading, and creating effects, unlike the historical use of pigments like tempera or gouache.
Nature-inspired motifs: Features designs rooted in nature, such as flowers, leaves, and other botanical elements.

In frame 11.5 inches x 8.75 inches, the manuscript is 8.75 x 5.75 inches

Within its original wooden banded frame {bearing a couple of nicks}

Interestingly it was framed over 125 years ago by our former neighbours, W. Stepney gilders and frame makers in Bond St. Brighton

Code: 25957