The Adoration of the Magi, historiated initial on a large bifolium from a Gradual, in Latin [southern Netherlands, c.1450s]

a bifolium, 460x660mm, vellum, with an historiated initial for the Epiphany introit “Ecce advenit dominator dominus ...”, 9 lines of text and music on four-line red staves, rastrum 20mm, original red ink foliation “xxii”, some wear and dirt around the edges, but the initial in very fine condition, framed and glazed with perspex

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 frame has a label from the 1974 Unicef exhibition “Moeder en kind” at the Kredietbank, Ghent, with an inscription naming the lender as “De Spiegelaere” and referring to it as no.3 in the catalogue, another label suggests it was lot 117 in a sale in our rooms. Another leaf from the same manuscript, with an initial depicting the Annunciation to the Shepherds, has been attributed to the circle of Jan de Tavernier (Sam Fogg); he was active in Tournai, Ghent, Lille and Oudenaarde, and produced several major works in a semi-grisaille style (see Dogaer, Flemish Miniature Painting, 1987). Particular in the present example is the use of green even for haloes.