THE CRUCIFIXION AND MAN OF SORROWS FROM A BOOK OF HOURS, IN LATIN [ITALY (PERHAPS ROME), LATE 15TH CENTURY]

c.130x142mm, vellum bifolium, 19 lines, the ruled space of each page c.86x41mm, illuminated with a 6-line historiated initial extending into a three-sided border, and three 2-line initials; the first leaf contains part of the prayer ‘O dulcissime domine Ihesu Christe verus deus …’, the second leaf has the end of the Office of the Dead, with prayers for a deceased man, woman, and ones’ parents, followed by the beginning of the Hours of the Cross with the historiated initial and border; some worming, flaking of pigments, and darkening at the edges of the leaves

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The unusually tall, narrow format and small ‘pocket’ size were adopted in printed books such those of Aldus Manutius.