Christ as Man of Sorrows surrounded by the Instruments of the Passion and venerated by a bishop, miniature on a leaf from a Book of Hours, in Latin [France (Paris), c.1420]

single leaf, 161x113mm, vellum, with a miniature for the Passion of Christ according to St John, 15 lines, 92x61mm, the verso with single border in outer margin, slight water damage with retouching to blue background, otherwise in good condition

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."

Hartung & Hartung, 13-15 May 2003, lot 35; to the present owner.

This miniature is an important addition to the early work of the Harvard Hannibal Master (active c.1415-50). Most remarkable is the unusual iconography with the highly individualised portrait of a prelate kneeling in prayer. He may represent Jean Courtecuisse, bishop of Paris from 1420-22, then of Geneva from 1422-23, who was also a prolific writer (see G. Hasenohr, Le sermon sur la passion de Jean Courtecuisse, 1987). The Harvard Hannibal Master was trained by the Boucicaut Master, one of the finest Parisian illuminators of the early 15th century, while later works also indicate his familiarity with miniatures by the famous Limbourg brothers. The present miniature is clearly influenced by the Boucicaut Master, notably in the finely modelled oval faces.