The Sermon on The Mount Illustrated and decorated by Alberto Sangorski. Published by Chatto & Windus, London, 1911. Printed without rear colophon. Parchment paper boards with stylized titles, red cross and iconographic borders and motifs to front; red top edge. Small 4to – over 9¾” – 12″ tall; 24pp., title page with full colour and gilt medallion portraits of religious icons; two full colour vignettes, colour and gilt decorative initials, borders, and medallion portraits on each page; leaves are French-folded and unopened. Pastedown has a tasteful bookplate with 1932 date. Front hinge is lightly weakened and otherwise contents are in fine condition. Tiny rub to head of spine and otherwise boards are in fine condition. Dustjacket has toning, split to lower center spine fold with chip to head and tail of spine. A beautiful copy.
Alberto Sangorski (1862–1932) was a skilled calligrapher and illuminator known for his work in manuscripts and miniatures. His designs often included detailed and extravagant border decorations, initials, and miniature paintings, which can be seen in the illumination of this work. One of his greatest achievements was a unique jewel bound version of Omar Khayyám’s Rubáiyát, now referred to as ‘the Great Omar,’ which was lost on the ill-fated Titanic in 1912.
