Annunciation to the Shepherds, miniature on a leaf from a Book of Hours, in Latin [north-western France (Bayeux or Coutances), c.1420-30]

single leaf, 170x114mm, vellum, with a miniature for Terce in the Hours of the Virgin, 14 lines, 85x57mm, verso with three-sided border, outer margins slightly cropped, 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."

The style of the miniature is representative of a small local production in Bayeux and Coutances found only in a group of Books of Hours made there in the decade following the Treaty of Troyes in 1420. At that time, manuscripts were more frequently made in Rouen, the capital city of Normandy (F. Avril in Manuscrits à Peintures, 1993, p.169). Although the illumination is provincial, this was a prestigious commission, as can be seen by the solemnity of the script, the rich borders on the recto and verso, and the careful execution of the miniature. The present miniature was folio 41 in a Book of Hours made for the Use of Coutances, sold in our rooms, 22 June 1982, lot 91 (ill.), to Schwing for £9,500. The manuscript included 18 miniatures and decorated borders on all pages; for a text leaf from the same manuscript, see lot 8(c) above, consigned by a different owner.