Book of Hours, Use of Troyes, in Latin [France (Troyes), c.1410]

178x125mm, vellum, i+187+i, in 25 quires of 8 leaves except i-ii6, iii10, v2, vi8-3 (wanting i-iii), vii10, x8-1 (wanting vi), xii10-1 (wanting vi), xv6-2 (wanting iii-iv), xxiv8-1 (wanting viii), xxv8-1 (wanting viii), 14 lines, 94x63mm, illuminated with 8 large miniatures with full borders, small illuminated initials throughout, 2-line initials with partial borders, the lower margin of f.1 excised, otherwise in generally fine condition, bound in modern red velvet over wood boards, modern fitted box

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."

provenance

(1) Made for a woman (prayers use feminine forms on ff.98v, 102, 119v) who presumably lived in Troyes; the litany includes Lupus and Mastidia.

(2) A 19th-century owner added neat marginal identifications next to the main texts (e.g. "Mois de Janvier", f.1r) and was perhaps responsible for the addition of a group of kneeling figures in the lower margin of f.183v, facing the Virgin and Child.

text and illumination

Calendar in French with an entry for every day (f.1r); Gospel extracts and mass prayer (f.13r); Hours of the Cross (f.20r); Hours of the Holy Spirit (f.25r); Passion narrative and prayers (f.29v); Hours of the Virgin, Use of Troyes, with Matins (beginning imperfect, f.33r), Lauds (f.45r), Prime (f.58r), Terce (f.65r), Sext (beginning imperfect, f.69r), None (f.72r), Vespers (f.76r), Compline (beginning imperfect, f.84r); the Life of St John the Baptist, and a prayer to the Virgin, both in French rhyming verse (f.89v); suffrage to St Christopher (f.95r); Obsecro te (f.96r), O intemerata (f.100r) and hymns to the Virgin; Seven Penitential Psalms (beginning imperfect, f.107r), litany (f.120r); Office of the Dead, Use of Troyes (fol.130r); suffrages to saints (f.181r); the 15 Joys of the Virgin, in French (f.184r).

The Master of Troyes was named by Millard Meiss after a Book of Hours made for the Berthier family in Troyes (Paris, BnF, lat.924; see most recently Très Riches Heures de Champagne, 2007, no.2). Active from about 1390 to 1415, he produced manuscripts for Etienne de Givry, Bishop of Troyes (1395-1426), among them a magnificent Pontifical (Paris, BnF, lat.962; see ibid., no.3). In the catalogue that accompanied the 2007 touring exhibition Très Riches Heures de Champagne the artist is described as the preeminent illuminator in Troyes and one who commanded a special position of respect (see ibid., nos.2-5). The elegant style of the Troyes Master shows the influence of his Parisian colleagues who worked for the Duke of Berry towards the end of the 14th century. Most characteristic of his art is the graceful articulation of his drawing, a taste for rich patterning of textiles and backgrounds, and a nuanced palette with a range of pastel and saturated colours.

The subjects of the miniatures are: (1) f.20r, Crucifixion, (2) f.25r, Pentecost, (3) f.45r, Visitation, (4) f.58r, Nativity, (5) f.65r, Annunciation to the Shepherds, (6) f.72r, Presentation, (7) f.76r, Flight into Egypt, (8) f.184r, Virgin and Child.