FIRE ARTS & CHIVALRY

A Collector’s Library: Italian Majolica, the Middle Ages, & Decorative Arts

A passionate collector and discerning bibliophile,Mrs. R. ROYERhad built up over the years an extensive library devoted to the subjects that fueled her curiosity and passions:the Middle Ages, chivalry, antique weapons and armor, tournaments, but above all Italian Renaissance earthenware and majolica.

The first part of this collection immerses us in the world of chivalry and military art. Among the remarkable works are the spectacular *Freydal*, devoted to the tournaments and masquerades of Emperor Maximilian I and illustrated with255 plates, the *Weiss Kunig*, with its237 woodcuts based on works byHans Burgkmair, as well as a 1536 French edition ofVegetius’s treatiseon military art, richly illustrated with woodcut figures.

But the heart of this library reveals above all Madame R. ROYER’s passion forceramics and Italian majolica, from Faenza to Deruta, from Urbino to Montelupo, Florence, Venice, and even Sicily. Reference works, specialized studies, and richly illustrated publications attest to a collection meticulously assembled over time.

Among the most notable pieces are the monumental *Collection of Italian Earthenware from the 15th, 16th, and 17th Centuries byDarcel and Delange, published in 1869 and illustrated with100 color lithographic plates, as well asOtto von Falke’scomprehensive study devoted to Alfred Pringsheim’s majolica collection.

Numerous catalogs of major historical collections—Spitzer, Castellani, Dutuit, Bardac, Botkine, Blumenthal, and Pringsheim—round out this collection and also attest to Madame R. ROYER’s interest in the history of collections and the decorative arts.

Through these159 lots, a portrait emerges of apassionate and curious collector, whose library served both as a source of knowledge and as a natural extension of her passion for objects and their history.

EXPERT

Ms. Danyela PETITOT

Member of the SFEP

T. +33 (0)6 62 22 43 47 I dpetitot@wanadoo.fr

The lots presented in this sale are sold by description and will not be on view at the SEQUANA Gallery.

They may be viewed on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, by appointment only, at our logistics warehouse.

After the auction, lot pickup will also take place by appointment at our logistics warehouse.

The address and access instructions will be provided to those concerned when the appointment is scheduled.