Eight historiated initials, probably from a Book of Hours, in Latin and French [southern Netherlands (probably Bruges), c.1480s]

eight cuttings, each c.30x29mm, vellum, 8 historiated initials: (a) a monstrance on an altar, (b) St Mary Magdalene, (c) St Quentin, (d) St Nicholas, (e) All Martyrs, all in armour, among whom are Sts George, Adrian, and Sebastian, (f) All Virgin Saints, (g) All Confessor Saints, and (h) All Saints, among whom Sts Peter and Paul are identifiable; minor smudging at a few edges, not affecting the main images, framed and glazed

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."

Exceptionally fine and delicately-painted initials from what must have been an exquisite volume partially illuminated in semi-grisaille

The inclusion of St Quentin of Amiens, and of Adrian among All Martyrs, is consistent with an origin in southern Flanders. Although described in 1983 and 1994 as coming from a Breviary (in which case all the semi-grisaille initials would have come from the Common), it is more likely that they come from the suffrages in a Book of Hours, because of the texts on the reverses, as explained in the 1988 catalogue (which includes photographs and identifications).

These cuttings come from the famous collection of approximately 475 leaves and cuttings assembled in France by Peter Birman for Daniel Burkhardt-Wildt (1759-1819), sold in our rooms, 25 April 1983, lot 191 (ill.); subsequently S. Hindman, Medieval and Renaissance Miniature Painting [1988], no.36 pp.76-77, 136-37 (col.ills.), and Les Enluminures, Cat.3, 1994, no.31 (col.ills.) attributed in each to the Master of the Dresden Prayerbook, and with comparisons to Simon Marmion.