Spanish diversion

Created on the verso of a vellum leaf from a medieval choirbook, this scene of courtly life was produced by the 'Spanish Forger' around 1890 - 1910. The artist's real name is unknown. The term 'Spanish Forger' was applied to the artist as the first forgery identified had been earlier attributed to a painter active in Spain. Over 200 items have been identified as the work of the 'Spanish Forger'. The daring décolletage of the ladies and the pouty lips are a little too obvious for a medieval damsel and the folds in the gowns don't quite flow! But analysis of the inks used in many of the works has also identified these works as modern forgeries. The emerald green ink contains a copper arsenite pigment not available until after 1814.
The library's example from the 'Spanish Forger' ( RB/MSS 97 ) was purchased in 1991.