King David pointing to his eyes, historiated initial cut from an illuminated choir Psalter, in Latin, manuscript on vellum

a cutting, 130 mm. by 110 mm., a large initial 'D' in dark blue with delicate white leafy ornament (doubtless "Dominus illuminatio mea", Psalm 27) enclosing a half-length figure of a king in a blue tunic, his right hand pointing to his eyes, his left hand resting on the inner edge of the initial, red background with clusters of white dots, all on a burnished gold ground, verso with part of 5 lines of text in a large rounded gothic hand, cut to shape, mounted

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."

This is one of a group of at least three cuttings from a single choir Psalter, probably all owned by Michele Cavaleri, of Milan, sold in 1873 to Enrico Cernuschi (1821-1896), of Paris and Menton; his sale Paris, 25 May 1900, lots 147 and 153-54.  The other two are from the openings of Psalms 53 and 80 (Maggs Bulletin 5, 1967, no. 13; and A. De Floriani in F. Todini, ed., La Spezia, Museo Civico Amedeo Lia, Miniature, 1996, pp. 56-58, no. 10).  A cutting of Saint Peter from the opening of Psalm 120 was sold in these rooms, 18 June 1996, lot 23, and is perhaps from the same manuscript; it was afterwards BEL, Illuminations, 1996, no. 13, ascribed to Venturino Mercati da Milano, documented in Milan from 1473, working for the Olivetans and others.

David is shown pointing to his closed eyes, to show that light comes from the Lord.  His left hand is resting on the inner edge of the initial, as if he is standing at a window, an early example of initial and image forming part of a single composition.