Folio from an Armenian Manuscript: Jesus Descends to Hell

?-1942
Henri Vever (1854-1942), method of acquisition unknown [1]

1942-1947
Jeanne Louise Monthiers (1861-1947), bequest of Henri Vever [2]

1947-1986
Francois Mautin (1907-2003), bequest of Jeanne Louise Monthiers and Henri Vever [3]

From 1986
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery purchased from Francois Mautin [4]

Notes:

[1] An accomplished French jeweler and collector, Henri Vever (1854-1942) amassed a large and impressive collection of works of art during his lifetime. His holdings in Japanese prints and Islamic arts of the books, especially from Iran and India, were among the most important assembled in the early twentieth century. This object was in Vever’s collection at the time of his death in 1942.

[2] Upon Henri Vever’s death on September 25, 1942, his wife, Jeanne Louise Monthiers inherited the object. See exhibits F and G of Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Henri Vever Collection, January 9, 1986, copy in object file.

[3] Upon the death of Jeanne Louise Monthiers, as stipulated in the will of Henri Vever, the family’s assets were divided evenly between his two grandchildren. His only grandson, Francois Mautin inherited the collection known as “The Henri Vever Collection of Oriental Art and Manuscripts Including Persian and Indian Art and Manuscripts.” This object is part of that collection. See exhibits F and G as cited in note 2.

[4] The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery purchased the entirety of the collection from Francois Mautin on January 9, 1986. See purchase agreement, copy in object file.

Research updated February 23, 2023.