Christ blessing, historiated initial cut from an illuminated manuscript on vellum

a cutting, 220mm. by 134mm., with a large initial 'S' in beige (85mm. by 90mm.) on burnished gold ground, terminating in acanthus-leaf sprays, enclosing a half-length portrait of Christ holding an open book and raising his hand in blessing, on a blue background heightened with white penwork, gold slightly scuffed, else good condition, card mount

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 miniature has been attributed to the Master of 1328, the principal Bolognese illuminator of the first quarter of the fourteenth century. Christ's gloomy glare and heavy jowls are strikingly reminiscent of the figures in the civic register from which he takes his name (Matricole dell'Arte dei Drappierei 1328, now Civic Museum, Bologna ms. 633), and the use of bold blues and reds is identical to the palette of a series of dispersed leaves from a Bolognese copy of Gratian's Decretum (Fitzwilliam, Marlay Cuttings, It. 3-11, and that sold in our rooms 4 December 2007, lot 23, for £18,000), in which he was a collaborating artist.