See the Stunning Medieval Manuscript Telling Tales of King Arthur, in Ink and Polished Gold, That's Headed to Auction

Sonja Anderson· May 27, 2026 · 7:29 PM UTC ·5 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 45 views

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

A medieval manuscript detailing the tales of King Arthur is set to be auctioned in July. Created between 1290 and 1310, it features 126 miniature illustrations adorned with gold leaf. The manuscript, known as the Clermont-Tonnerre Grail, is expected to sell for over $2 million and is the oldest of only three privately owned Vulgate Cycle manuscripts.

Key facts

▪The manuscript was created by an anonymous artist and contains illustrations of King Arthur and other legendary figures.
▪It is the oldest version of the Vulgate Cycle ever to be auctioned, dating back to the late 13th century.
▪The auction house Christie’s predicts it will fetch more than $2 million.

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Original publisher	Smithsonian Magazine
Canonical URL	https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-medieval-manuscript-telling-tales-of-king-arthur-in-ink-and-polished-gold-thats-headed-to-auction-180988835/
Publication time	Wed, 27 May 2026 19:29:28 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-27T19:38:03.746Z
Last seen	2026-05-27T19:38:03.746Z
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

See the Stunning Medieval Manuscript Telling Tales of King Arthur, in Ink and Polished Gold, That’s Headed to Auction The manuscript was made by a skilled, anonymous artist between 1290 and 1310. It’s the oldest of only three privately owned Vulgate Cycle manuscripts Sonja Anderson | Daily Correspondent May 27, 2026 3:29 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source The text is an illuminated manuscript. Its illustrations contain precious metals. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2026 More than 700 years ago, an anonymous scribe set down the tales of King Arthur and his Round Table in a vellum manuscript.

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