Eight leaves from a monumental Passional, illuminated manuscript in Latin, on vellum

eight leaves (4 bifolia), each leaf 470mm. by 330mm., double column, 38 lines in dark brown ink in a single early gothic bookhand, rubrics in red, one eight-line historiated initial 'O' in blue and burnished gold, enclosing a human-headed bird with a coloured wing heightened with a gold panel, with white vine extensions from its extremities filling the initial, all within coloured frame, one very large variegated initial 'I' in blue and green with impressive pen-drawn extensions up and down border terminating in a human face and a scalloped trefoil leaf, one similarly large variegated initial 'I' in red with delicate foliate extensions, two 4-line blue initials with elaborate red infill (one with a lacertine animal grasping a fruit in its mouth, the other with foliage and similar extensions into margin from body of initial), with the text for the passions of early Christian saints, including Ss. Cecilia (d. second century AD.; feast on 22 November); Clement, the fourth pope (d. 99 AD.; feast 23 November); and Longinus (d. first century; feast 16 October), some scuffing to gold, slight wear to surface of some text leaves, else 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."