Justinian, Institutes, decorated manuscript, in Latin, on paper

88 leaves, (plus 2 paper flyleaves), 210mm. by 143mm., complete, collation: i-viii^{10, ix8, modern pencil pagination, written space 150mm. by 90mm., double columns, 33 lines in light brown ink in a humanistic hand, paragraph-marks in faded purple, numerous 1-line initials in same, each book opening with 2-line initial with penwork, proem opening with 9-line variegated initial, some slight discolouration at edges and with damage to ends of gatherings (thus some leaves loose),} quires strengthened on inside and outside with strips of vellum cut from a manuscript of c.1200, loose in limp vellum binding, with gilt-tooled arms of Pope Pius VI, somewhat bumped and scuffed; with a letter book on paper dated 1452 in a limp vellum binding

From the library of Pope Pius VI (reigned 1775-79): his armorial binding. Pius VI appears to have given away a number of his own books. Manuscripts with the same arms include the Livy of Leonello d'Este (sold in our rooms, 13 July 1977, lot 56) and the Great Hours of Galeazzo Sforza (our rooms, 21 June 1988, lot 58).

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."

This is a good humanist copy of the greatest textbook of civil law ever attested, presumably written for a student of one of the Italian law schools. It contains books I-IV, ending on fol. 79r with a dated colophon. This is followed by a list of contents (fol.79v), and a long list of abbreviated phrases from the various chapters, under the title 'Incipit Lectorum abreviatio'.