Illuminated Manuscript- 'The Spanish Forger' (attributed to) A miniature depicting the ‘Betrothal of Saint Ursula’, illuminated manuscript on vellum, within a purple decorative border, featuring scrolling acanthus and flowers, vignettes, including putti and a scene from the Saint’s life, inscribed “br. Laurus famillus Venetus faciebat MDXXXXIIII,” , leaf wrinkled and frayed at corners, some rubbing and colour fading, particularly to gilt sky, on recto, a little soiling and staining on verso, overall 285 x 190mm, [France, c. 1900] *** The Spanish Forger was one of the most skilful and prolific forgers of all time. His panels and single leaves were appreciated and admired. Little is known about his activity. His work was exposed as that of a forger in the 1930s, based on a panel formerly attributed to the 15th century Spanish painter Jorge Inglés. It was Belle da Costa Greene – at that time curator of the Pierpont Morgan Library – who first identified the Spanish Forger’s distinctive characteristics and gave him his name. This association provided the name by which he is still known, although it is generally believed that he was active in Paris in the late 19th century and early 20th century (see William Voelkle & Roger S. Wieck, ‘The Spanish Forger’, New York, Pierpont Morgan Library, c1978)