Christie’s is holding a very brief preview in New York–April 7-9th–of the Arcana collection of illuminated books that will be sold in July in London.

The Arcana Collection: Exceptional Illuminated Manuscripts and Incunabula Part I is an outstanding private collection which has been assembled over the past 3 decades and which includes personal prayer books made for Royals, Bishops, Aristocracy and other important patrons from the 13th century to the 16th century. These include King François I of France, a leading patron of Leonardo da Vinci and the first owner of his masterpiece The Mona Lisa, as well as King Henry IV of France and Elizabeth de Bohun, great grandmother of King Henry V of England. The collection will offer 48 lots with an overall estimate of £11 million to £16 million, and will be on public exhibition for the first time, alongside Christie’s July auction of Old Masters and 19th Century Art from 3 to 7 July 2010.

Press Release: Arcana Collection