The Dance of Death, full-page miniature [northern Italy, Lombardy, c.1490]

single leaf, 151x106mm, vellum, with a miniature probably for the Office of the Dead in a Book of Hours, reverse blank except for "R. v. Sebetic" in ink in a 19th-century hand, trimmed to edges, otherwise in excellent condition, 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."

The style of this miniature is indebted to Giovanni Pietro Birago (fl. c.1471/4-1513), the leading illuminator at the Sforza court in Milan by 1490. Especially distinctive is the sculptural crispness of the figures and the small colourful pebbles scattered in the foreground of the miniature. Most influential for Birago and his school was Andrea Mantegna, one of the greatest Renaissance painters whose style dominated northern Italy in the second half of the 15th century. The Dance of Death was a popular subject in late 15th-century art, but is very rarely found in manuscripts.