Remigius, Bernardus Claravallensis, Dionysius Cato

REMIGIUS. Fundamentum scholarium [edited by Johannes Kerckmester]. Cologne: Heinrich Quentel, 10 October 1492, 42 leaves, A-G⁶, 48 lines, [H 13860; GW M04420; only 5 copies on ISTC, none in UK or US], lacking A1 (with woodcut)
BERNARDUS CLARAVALLENSIS. Floretus (cum commento). [Cologne: Heinrich Quentel, before 14 October 1490], 56 leaves, a-h⁶ i⁸, 35-45 lines plus headline, woodcut on first leaf, [Goff B392; HC 2912; BMC i 276; GW 4004; BSB-Ink F-158; Schreiber 3431]
POENITENTIONARIUS. Poeniteas cito. Cologne: Heinrich Quentel, 24 February 1491, aa-bb⁸ cc⁶, 44 lines, [Goff P843; HC 13159; BMC i 276; GW M13796; BSB-Ink P-640], some light staining
CATO, Dionysius. Disticha de moribus. Cologne: Heinrich Quentel, [c. 1490], 64 leaves, a-h⁸, 40 lines, [Goff C307; C 1525, no copy recorded in UK]

4 works in one volume, 4to (200 x 138mm.), contemporary rubrication, contemporary German blind-stamped half pigskin over wooden boards, single clasp, with a contemporary German pen and ink drawing of the Annunciation loosely inserted, upper joint torn at head, lacking strap

"Dis bücher ist Bartolome Faberi", contemporary inscription on inside front cover; Joannes Franciscus Vidini, later inscription on final verso

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."

The drawing depicts the Annunciation, though rather naively and with somewhat unusual iconography - the Virgin is sitting in an enclosed garden (hortus conclusus) with a unicorn climbing onto her lap, and the Archangel Gabriel is holding three hunting dogs by the reins who are chasing the unicorn towards her; this is considered a late fifteenth-century variant of the standard Annunciation scene, and usually found in Germany. The sketch is most likely contemporary with the book, with a few rust holes from the clasp on the binding and a few wormholes, and was probably the front flyleaf, now detached. One the verso is a small sketch of a soldier holding a lance.