Ozias, Prince of Judah, and King Ahasuerus, two historiated initials on a leaf from the Breviary of Lionello d’Este, in Latin [Italy (Ferrara), between 1441 and 1448]

single leaf, 268x200mm, vellum, 2 columns, 30 lines, 126x165mm, with 2 five-line historiated initials on recto and verso, and bar borders running almost the entire height of the page in the left margin and between the columns, in excellent condition, framed and glazed, double-sided

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 celebrated Breviary of Lionello d’Este, from the circle of Giorgio d’Alemagna; a rare example with two historiated initials

Commissioned by Lionello d’Este (1407-50), Marquis of Ferrara and Duke of Modena and Reggio Emilia (1441-50), the Breviary was begun in 1441 and finished in 1448. The accounts for the payment of the Breviary make it exceptionally well documented, naming several illuminators, the scribe, the binder, and numerous other details of the commission. Written by Francesco de Codigoro, Giorgio d’Alemagna was the principal illuminator, but because of the enormity of the project, he enlisted in 1443 the help of Bartolomeo de Benincà, Matteo de’ Pasti, a pupil of Pisanello, and Guglielmo Giraldi (for the most recent discussion, see F. Toniolo in Les Enluminures du Louvre, 2011, no.45). The manuscript, also known as the Llangattock Breviary, had belonged to the Barons Llangattock, and it was in their sale at Christie's, 8 December 1958, lot 190 (described as a Missal), bought by Goodspeed, of Boston, who had broken it up by 1959, when the first quire was acquired by Philip Hofer (Harvard, Houghton Library, MS Typ. 301), while the rest is scattered in collections around the world. Leaves have been sold in our rooms several times, including 21 June 1993, lot 32; 23 June 1998, lot 23, and 6 July 2006, lot 21, but the last time a leaf with two historiated initials was sold was 21 June 1994, lot 64.