Christ crowning All Saints, historiated initial on a cutting from an illuminated manuscript Gradual, on vellum

a cutting, 110mm. by 115mm., large initial 'G' (probably "Gaudeamus omnes ...", the introit for All Saints) in blue inset with burnished gold and coloured shapes and flowers, enclosing Christ enthroned handing crowns to male and female saints, all on tessellated background: 2 lines of text on verso with music on a 4-line red stave, outstanding condition, gilt frame

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing 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."

From the collection of Robert Forrer (1866-1947).

This handsome initial was painted in the circle of Johannes von Valkenburg, who is recorded as a scribe and illuminator in the Franciscan friary of Cologne c. 1299. It is almost certainly from the same manuscript as a second cutting in the Forrer Collection (Unedirte Mittelalter Miniaturen, 1907, xliii), and both are probably from the Gradual of the Franciscan convent of St. Clare, founded in Cologne in 1304. Other fragments of this dispersed volume are now in Washington (Nordenfalk, Medieval & Renaissance Miniatures from the National Gallery of Art, 1975, no.36); Cologne, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Graphische Sammlung, cods. 64, 67-71 (Weigelt, 'Rheinsche Miniaturen', Wallraf-Richartz Jahrbuch 1, 1924); and a fragment sold in our rooms, 11 July 1978, lot 8.