Sotheby’s Masters Week: it begins on February 4th –
The first week of February is a major event for Sotheby’s, especially for high-end manuscripts and historical documents. Here is one of the heavy hitters scheduled for February 5, 2026.
It's offered in New York. While there are several art-focused auctions, the “main character” for document and paper collectors is a massive manuscript considered one of the most important Jewish cultural treasures to come to the market in recent decades.
It's a Hebrew manuscript from the 15th century.
The Crown Jewel: The Rothschild Vienna Mahzor. It is a rare, luminous medieval manuscript from the 15th century.
It's estimate: $5,000,000 - $7,000,000
Significance: It is one of the most magnificent Askenazic illuminated manuscripts in private hands with incredible provenance. It was completed in Vienna on February 22, 1415 , by the scribe Moses son of Menachem.
Its artistic style follows the Lake Constance school (southern Germany/Austria/Switzerland). It features burnished gold panels, Gothic archways, and "animated creatures" (like a winged horse and dragons) in vibrant lapis blue, copper green and cinnabar red pigments.
Highlight: Rembrandt’s Young Lion Resting. This is the only animal drawing by Rembrandt still in private hands and is expected to fetch between $15M and $20M.
The same day they are also offering their 19th & 20th Century European Art auction featuring modern works on paper. This event begins at 2:30pm. While the previous auctions that day focus on medieval manuscripts and Old Masters, this sale bridges the gap to the medern era, featuring 53 lots with total pre-sale estimates of $6.7M - $9.53M
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary pair of books from George Washington’s field library, marking the conjunction of Robert Rogers, George Washington, and Henry Knox. $1,200,000 to $1,800,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary letter marking the conjunction of George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Benjamin Franklin. $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: Virginia House of Delegates. The genesis of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. $350,000 to $500,000.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: (Gettysburg). “Genl. Doubleday has taken charge of the battle”: Autograph witness to the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, illustrated by fourteen maps and plans. $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: President Lincoln thanks a schoolboy on behalf of "all the children of the nation for his efforts to ensure "that this war shall be successful, and the Union be maintained and perpetuated." $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.
![<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.](https://ae-files.s3.amazonaws.com/AdvertisementPhotos/9d2762bc-9f26-47ef-96de-1c28070e19f6.png "<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.")